Domingo de Basavilbaso facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don
Domingo de Basavilbaso
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portrait of Domingo Basavilbaso
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| Mayor of Buenos Aires | |
| In office 1745–1746 |
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| Preceded by | Francisco de Herrera y Loizaga |
| Succeeded by | Juan Martín de Mena |
| Vice-Mayor of Buenos Aires | |
| In office 1738–1739 |
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| Preceded by | Alonso del Pozo Vitte |
| Succeeded by | Faustino de Larrea |
| Procurador General of Buenos Aires | |
| In office 1739–1740 |
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| Preceded by | Carlos Narváez |
| Succeeded by | Miguel Antonio de Merlo |
| Administrador General of the Real Renta de Correos | |
| In office 1768–1772 |
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| Succeeded by | Manuel de Basavilbaso |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Domingo de Basavilbaso y de la Presa
1 September 1709 Bilbao, Spain |
| Died | 9 May 1775 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Resting place | Buenos Aires Cathedral |
| Spouse | María Ignacia de Urtubia y Toledo |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spanish Empire |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1729-1760 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Fuerte de Buenos Aires |
| Commands | Milicias de Caballería de Buenos Aires |
Domingo de Basavilbaso (1709 – 1775) was an important Spanish leader and military officer. He lived during the time when Spain ruled Argentina. He held many important jobs in Buenos Aires, like mayor and military commander. He also helped create the postal service in the Río de la Plata region.
Basavilbaso was a key figure in the early history of Buenos Aires. He helped manage the city and its defenses. He also played a big part in setting up mail routes. These routes connected distant towns and cities.
Contents
Early Life and Arrival in Argentina
Domingo de Basavilbaso was born in 1709 in Llodio, a town near Bilbao, Spain. His parents were Domingo de Basavilbaso and María Rosa de la Presa. His family was well-known in Spain.
He traveled to South America and arrived in Buenos Aires around 1729. He came by ship from Montevideo. Once in Buenos Aires, he started working in trade and business.
Building the Postal Service
One of Basavilbaso's most important jobs was setting up the mail system. In 1748, he created the first mail route between Buenos Aires and Potosí. Potosí was a very important mining city at that time.
He was the main manager of this mail service until 1772. He built a network of "posts" or stations. These stations helped mail travel across vast distances. The routes connected Buenos Aires to cities like Mendoza and Santiago de Chile in the west. They also reached Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, and other northern areas. He also helped organize mail delivery by sea.
Public Service and Military Role
Domingo de Basavilbaso held many important government positions. In 1738, he was the Vice-Mayor of Buenos Aires. He then became the Mayor in 1745. He also served as a Councilor and Attorney General for the city.
He was also a military leader. He helped protect the region from attacks by native tribes. He was the commander of the cavalry (horseback soldiers) in Buenos Aires. He led a mission against the Pampas tribes. These tribes had attacked areas near Buenos Aires. During these missions, he helped capture a leader named Calelián.
Basavilbaso was also one of the first Spanish explorers to travel to Patagonia. This was in the mid-1700s. He also worked as a legal helper for important people. One of them was Guillermo Ross, a Scottish military leader.
Family Life and Legacy
Domingo de Basavilbaso married María Ignacia de Urtubia Toledo. They were married on February 20, 1730, at the Buenos Aires Cathedral. María Ignacia came from a respected Spanish family.
They had several children together. Their children included Francisco Antonio Basavilbaso and Manuel Basavilbaso. Their daughter María Rosa Basavilbaso married Vicente de Azcuénaga. Their grandson, Miguel de Azcuénaga, became a very important figure later on.
Basavilbaso's home was a grand house in Buenos Aires. It was located on what is now Avenida Belgrano. Many important people visited his home. These guests included José Joaquín de Viana, who was the governor of Montevideo. Ambrosio O'Higgins, a personal friend, also stayed there.
His family continued to be influential in Argentina and Uruguay. His granddaughter, Ana de Azcuénaga, married Antonio de Olaguer y Feliú. He later became a Viceroy of the Río de la Plata. His son, Manuel de Basavilbaso, received a special honor in 1788.
See also
In Spanish: Domingo de Basavilbaso para niños
