Bernardino de Ceballos facts for kids

Bernardino de Ceballos was a Spanish leader who served as the Governor of New Mexico from 1614 to 1618. At that time, New Mexico was a part of New Spain, which was a large Spanish territory in North America.

Becoming Governor of New Mexico

Before Ceballos, the governor of New Mexico was Pedro de Peralta. In 1613, a powerful church leader named Fray Isidro Ordóñez had Peralta arrested. Peralta was held prisoner in a church mission.

Fray Ordóñez then took control of both church and government matters in New Mexico. Peralta was not allowed to leave until late 1614. By then, Ordóñez and the new governor, Bernardino de Ceballos, had taken many of Peralta's belongings.

Ceballos's Time as Governor

Bernardino de Ceballos was an important naval officer, known as an Admiral, in Acapulco. He was chosen to be the Governor of New Mexico on August 5, 1613. This appointment was made by the Viceroy of New Spain, Diego Fernández de Córdoba, Marquis of Guadalcázar. A Viceroy was like a king's representative in a colony.

Ceballos traveled to New Mexico in the spring of 1614. He arrived in Santa Fe in May 1614. At first, he tried to get along with the church leaders. However, within a year, he had serious disagreements with Fray Ordóñez. Their arguments were about how the Pueblo people should be treated and managed.

At one point, Ceballos was even excommunicated by the church. This meant he was temporarily banned from the church. He had to perform a public act of apology. Fray Ordóñez finally left New Mexico in the spring of 1617.

Ceballos's term as governor ended on December 21, 1618. His replacement, Juan de Eulate, then arrived. The disagreements between the church leaders and the government leaders continued to be a big problem. In 1620, the King of Spain himself had to step in. He supported the governors in these disputes.

See also

In Spanish: Bernardino de Ceballos para niños