Andrés Dorantes de Carranza facts for kids

Andrés Dorantes de Carranza (born around 1500 – died in the 1550s) was an early Spanish explorer in the Americas. He was one of only four people who survived a very difficult journey called the Narváez expedition. The other survivors were Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, Dorantes' helper Estevanico, and Alonso del Castillo Maldonado.

Biography

Andrés Dorantes de Carranza was born around 1500 in Béjar del Castañar, Salamanca, Spain. Some people think he might have been born in Gibraleón. His father was Pablo Dorantes. Andrés came from a family of minor nobility, called hidalgo, but they were not very rich.

Journey to the Americas

Dorantes decided to travel to the Americas to find wealth. He joined a large expedition led by Captain Pánfilo de Narváez. This journey began in 1527. Dorantes and Castillo Maldonado even owned one of the boats used in the expedition.

In April 1528, Dorantes and Estevanico, along with the rest of the group, arrived in Florida. They had just survived a hurricane near Cuba. They landed near Tampa Bay and claimed the land for the Spanish Crown.

Challenges and Survival

However, the expedition faced many problems. They were hit by more hurricanes and attacked by Native Americans. Many members of the group died. After leaving Florida, three of their five ships sank while trying to reach what is now Mexico. Only about 80 men survived.

The remaining survivors reached the coast of Galveston Island, Texas. Here, their troubles continued. A very harsh winter and a lack of food caused most of the remaining expedition members to die. Eventually, only 15 men were left, including Dorantes, Castillo, Estevanico, and Cabeza de Vaca.

In the spring, this small group continued their journey. They crossed the coast of the Colorado River and traveled through parts of modern-day New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. For much of this time, they were held by different Native American tribes.

Reaching Spanish Territory

In March 1536, after years of wandering, the survivors finally reached the city of Culiacán. This city was in a Spanish-controlled area in what is now Mexico. They were finally reunited with other Spanish people.

The governor of New Galicia, Nuño de Guzmán, heard about the survivors. He gave them horses and clothes. Then, he sent them to Mexico City, the capital of New Spain. There, they met with the Viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza.

Life in New Spain

Viceroy Mendoza offered Dorantes a chance to lead a new expedition. But Dorantes decided he wanted to go back to Spain instead. He sold Estevanico to the Viceroy. However, when Dorantes was ready to leave, his ship was found to be unsafe for travel. So, he had to return to Veracruz.

After this, Dorantes never left New Spain. He stayed there and died sometime in the 1550s.

Personal life

Andrés Dorantes de Carranza was married twice. His first wife was María de la Torre, who later passed away. He then married Paula Dorantes. Both of his wives were widows. Dorantes had more than fourteen children. One of his children, Baltazar Dorantes de Carranza, was born in Mexico in the mid-1500s. Baltazar later became a treasurer in Veracruz and represented New Spain in Castile.

See also

In Spanish: Andrés Dorantes de Carranza para niños