Cayetano Valdés y Flores facts for kids
Cayetano Valdés y Flores Bazán (1767–1835) was a brave commander in the Spanish Navy. He was also a famous explorer and a high-ranking captain general. He fought in major wars like the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Spain's situation changed a lot during these wars, so he sometimes fought for different sides.
Valdés took part in many important naval battles. These included the Great Siege of Gibraltar, the Battle of Cape St Vincent, and the famous Battle of Trafalgar. As an explorer, he is best known for his work in the Pacific Northwest. There, he and Dionisio Alcalá Galiano were the first to sail all the way around Vancouver Island. They even worked with another explorer, George Vancouver, for part of their journey. Throughout his long career, Cayetano Valdés reached the very top ranks in the Spanish Navy.
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Cayetano Valdés was born in Seville, Spain, in 1767. When he was just 14, in 1781, he joined the Naval Academy in Cadiz. This was where young people learned to become naval officers.
After finishing his studies, he quickly saw action. In 1782, he was part of a Spanish fleet fighting the English navy. This battle happened during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. The next year, in 1783, Valdés joined a Spanish mission against Algiers. This mission aimed to stop widespread piracy in the area.
Exploring New Lands: The Pacific Northwest
In 1789, Valdés became a lieutenant (teniente de navío). He joined a big scientific journey led by Alessandro Malaspina. This was a very important expedition to explore and map new parts of the world.
In 1791, Malaspina gave Valdés command of a ship called the Mexicana. It was a type of ship known as a "goleta," which is similar to a schooner. Valdés was ordered to explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia. This expedition was led by another officer, Dionisio Alcalá Galiano.
First to Sail Around Vancouver Island
During the summer of 1792, Valdés and Galiano achieved something amazing. They sailed all the way around Vancouver Island. They even met the famous British explorer George Vancouver during their trip. For a while, the two expeditions worked together.
Later, they split up and arrived at Nootka Sound separately. Valdés and Galiano had started their journey around the island from Nootka Sound. Vancouver had started from the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Because of this, the Spanish explorers became the first Europeans to fully sail around Vancouver Island.
Fighting in Major Wars
Cayetano Valdés was a skilled and brave naval commander. He played a big part in several important battles during the Napoleonic Wars.
Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)
In 1797, Valdés was in charge of a large warship called the Pelayo. His ship fought in the Battle of Cape St Vincent. In this battle, the British fleet, led by Sir John Jervis and Horatio Nelson, defeated the Spanish fleet.
Even though Spain lost, Valdés showed great courage. For his bravery, he was promoted to Captain (capitán de navío). He earned a reputation as a very strong fighter.
Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
By 1805, Valdés was commanding another warship, the Neptuno. His ship was based in Cadiz, Spain. When the French fleet tried to sail out to sea, Valdés and his squadron were called to fight. This led to the famous Battle of Trafalgar on October 21.
Valdés fought fiercely in the battle. His ship, the Neptuno, was at the front of the combined French and Spanish fleet. He bravely turned his ship back into the fight to help. However, other French ships did not follow him. This left the Neptuno isolated and surrounded. The ship suffered heavy damage, and Valdés himself was seriously wounded. The disabled Neptuno was eventually forced to surrender.
After Trafalgar and Later Service
A big storm followed the Battle of Trafalgar, and the Neptuno was wrecked. But Valdés and many of his crew survived. He was in England when the Peninsular War began in Spain in 1808. He was quickly released and returned home.
Valdés then joined the land army and worked in administration. He also took part in the Cortes of Cádiz, which was a Spanish parliament. For his service during the war, he was made Captain General in charge of Cadiz. However, when King Ferdinand VII of Spain returned to power, Valdés lost his titles. He was lucky to escape punishment during this time.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1820, there was an uprising in Spain. Valdés became involved on the side of the liberal government. He even served as the government's minister for war. However, the liberal government did not last long.
Valdés was sentenced to death, so he had to flee Spain. He went to Gibraltar and then to England, where he lived for ten years. In 1833, Isabella II of Spain became queen. She recalled Valdés and again named him Captain General of Cadiz. Later, he became Captain General of the entire Spanish Navy.
Cayetano Valdés passed away on June 6, 1835, in San Fernando, Cadiz.
Remembering Valdés
Today, several places are named after Cayetano Valdés. Valdes Island, located in the Strait of Georgia, is named for him. Cayetano Point, on the southwestern end of that island, also carries his name.
Other features on Valdes Island remember his 1792 voyage. Mexicana Hill is named for his ship, the Mexicana. Dibuxante Point is named for José Cardero, the artist who sailed on the Mexicana. Vernaci Point is named for Juan Vernacci y Retamal, one of Valdés's officers.
See also
In Spanish: Cayetano Valdés para niños
