Enrique Dávila Pacheco facts for kids

Enrique Dávila Pacheco (born sometime in the 1500s – died 1663) was an important Spanish official. He served as a royal ambassador for Spain and held several top jobs in New Spain, which is now Mexico. He was the acting Governor and Captain General of Yucatán twice. He also became the Governor of Nueva Vizcaya and later the Governor of Tlaxcala. King Philip IV of Spain himself chose him for the role in Nueva Vizcaya.

Life and Career

First Time as Yucatán's Governor

Enrique Dávila Pacheco first became the acting governor of Yucatán on May 28, 1644. He was chosen for this role by García Sarmiento de Sotomayor after the previous governor, Francisco Núñez Melián, passed away.

During his time as governor, Pacheco traveled a lot. He visited almost every part of New Spain, except for Tabasco. He cared about the local people, especially the Maya peoples. He put in place new rules to help them. He also made sure that certain people who were cheating and stealing from the native communities were removed from Spanish settlements.

Dealing with Pirates

In September 1644, a group of English pirates led by James Jackson tried to attack the coast of Campeche. They had many ships and over a thousand men. Governor Dávila quickly organized the villagers to defend their homes. Their quick actions made the pirates change their plans.

The pirates then sailed to Champotón, which was a less protected port. Most of the people had already left Champotón, so the pirates managed to steal some things. They also captured a few local people and two Spanish missionaries. However, bad weather hit their ships, causing some to capsize. The captured people managed to survive and eventually made it back to Yucatán.

Peaceful Rule and Leaving Office

Pacheco led the province of Yucatán peacefully. He got along well with the people living there. His time as governor ended when Esteban de Azcárraga arrived in San Francisco de Campeche. Azcárraga had been chosen by King Philip IV to be the new governor.

Pacheco quickly arranged to hand over his power. Azcárraga officially took office on December 4, 1645. After this, Enrique Dávila Pacheco returned to Mexico City.

Return to Yucatán and Other Roles

Sadly, Esteban de Azcárraga died three years later, in 1648. He was a victim of a serious illness that spread across the Yucatán peninsula. Because of this, Enrique Dávila Pacheco returned to Yucatán. He served as acting governor again from December 15, 1648, until October 19, 1650.

Later, Pacheco took on other important roles. He became the Governor of Nueva Vizcaya from March 7, 1653, until 1655. Then, on February 28, 1662, he was appointed Governor of the city and province of Tlaxcala. He passed away in 1663 and was replaced as Mayor of Mexico City on January 7, 1663.

See also

In Spanish: Enrique Dávila Pacheco para niños