El Cuilón facts for kids
El Cuilón, also known as Juan Rodríguez, was an important leader of the Ervipiame people in the 1700s. He was born around 1680. He was also seen by the Spanish as the main leader of the Rancheria Grande. This was a large group of Native American tribes living between the Brazos River and the Colorado River in what is now eastern Texas.
Contents
Early Life and Moving East
El Cuilón was born in a place that is now Coahuila, Mexico. This was likely between the Rio Grande and the Rio Salado rivers. Around 1699, he spent some time at a place called Mission San Francisco Vizarron. After this, he moved northeast to join other Ervipiame people who had already moved to eastern Texas.
A Respected Leader
El Cuilón was a highly respected leader among his people.
Receiving a Symbol of Power
In 1719, a Spanish official named Martin de Alarcón gave El Cuilón a "baton of command." This special stick showed that the Ervipiame people, and even the Spanish, recognized him as an important leader.
Negotiating for His People
In 1721, El Cuilón played a key role. He was the main person who spoke for all the Rancheria Grande tribes when they talked with another Spanish official, the Marques de Aguayo. He worked to represent his people's interests.
Settling Near San Antonio
In 1722, El Cuilón led the Ervipiame and other related tribes to settle near Mission San Francisco de Najera. This mission was located close to where the city of San Antonio, Texas is today.
