Diego de Borica facts for kids

Diego de Borica (1742–1800) was an important leader in early California. He was the Governor of the Californias from 1794 to 1800. He came from the Basque region of Spain. During his time as governor, he helped establish new missions and settlements.

About Diego de Borica's Family

Diego de Borica was born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. His full name was Diego de Borica y Retegui. In 1780, he married Maria Magdalena de Urquidi. Her family was from Mexico and had helped found the city of Durango.

Diego de Borica's Time as Governor

As governor, Diego de Borica worked to expand the Spanish presence in California. He worked with Father Fermín de Lasuén to plan new missions. They decided that five more missions were needed along El Camino Real. This was a famous road connecting the missions.

Founding New Missions

Borica sent groups from four different missions to find good places for new settlements. These new spots needed to be close enough for military protection. By 1796, Borica reported that no extra soldiers were needed. The first new mission site chosen was Mission San José. It was near the pueblo (town) of San Jose.

During Governor Borica's time, five new missions were started:

• Mission San José (June 11, 1797)
• Mission San Juan Bautista (June 24, 1797)
• Mission San Miguel Arcángel (July 25, 1797)
• Mission San Fernando Rey de España (September 8, 1797)
• Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (June 13, 1798)

Land Grants and Fortifications

In 1795, Borica gave José Darío Argüello a large Spanish land grant. This land was called Rancho de las Pulgas. It was the biggest land grant on the San Francisco Peninsula. It covered about 35,260 acres.

In 1797, Borica ordered a special battery (a place with cannons) to be built. This was to protect the cove near Point Medanos. This spot was chosen because it looked over San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island. Borica made sure the battery had five brass cannons.

Other Initiatives

Governor Borica also helped establish a school. In 1797, he ordered a school to be built in the center of Villa de Branciforte. This was done on orders from the Viceroy. Also in 1797, he approved the retirement of José María Verdugo. Verdugo was the owner of Rancho San Rafael.

In 1795, Borica gave another land grant to José Francisco Ortega. This land was called Rancho Nuestra Señora del Refugio. It means "Ranch of Our Lady of Refuge" and is in today's Santa Barbara County, California.

Before he left his position, Borica suggested that José Joaquín de Arrillaga should be reappointed. He thought Arrillaga could help organize California's military defenses.

Borica's Ideas and Efforts

Diego de Borica was a member of the Royal Basque Society. This group was interested in new ideas from the Enlightenment. These ideas focused on progress and improving people's lives. Borica cared about the well-being of the people he governed.

He tried to start new settlements in California. He even thought about bringing people from Catalonia, Spain, to help. He also wanted to help California's economy grow. However, the Spanish Crown did not always support his efforts. This made it hard for him to achieve all his goals.

Borica also encouraged sheep farming. The Royal Basque Society supported raising sheep and growing wool. Borica helped spread sheep among ranchers. He even got involved in sheep farming himself. He was successful during his time as governor. However, the number of sheep decreased later when California became independent from Mexico.

See also

In Spanish: Diego de Borica para niños