Fernando Chacón facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fernando Chacón
57th Spanish Governor of New Mexico
In office 1794–1804
Preceded by	Fernando de la Concha
Succeeded by	Joaquín del Real Alencaster
Personal details
Profession	Soldier and Governor (of New Mexico)
Signature

Fernando Chacón was a Spanish soldier who became the governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, which is now the state of New Mexico in the United States. He served as governor from 1794 to 1804. He was also a special knight in a group called the Order of Santiago.

Who Was Governor Fernando Chacón?

Fernando Chacón started his career as a young boy when he joined the Spanish Army. He worked his way up and eventually became a high-ranking officer, a lieutenant colonel. He was chosen to be the governor of New Mexico on August 16, 1793, and officially started his job in 1794.

Land Grants and New Settlements

Early in his time as governor, Chacón helped people get land. One important event was when he approved the San Miguel del Vado Land Grant. A man named Lorenzo Marquez and 51 other people asked Chacón for land. They already had some land in Santa Fe, but it was too small for their growing communities.

They wanted land along the Pecos River at a place called El Vado, which means "The Ford." This area had good water and fertile land for farming. However, this land was also used by the Apache people. So, the people asking for the land agreed to bring their own weapons and build forts to protect themselves.

Governor Chacón agreed to their request on November 25, 1794. He also told the Mayor of Santa Fe, Antonio Jose Ortiz, to make sure the land was given to the people properly, following all the rules.

In 1796, with Chacón's permission, three families started a new settlement called Llano San Juan near San Juan Nepomuceno. They hoped to build more towns there.

After 1796, Chacón also gave parts of land to 63 families in Taos, New Mexico. This land was near the village of the Pueblo people, who were Native Americans allied with the Spanish. It is not clear if the Pueblo people fully agreed to this land being given away.

On January 23, 1800, Chacón also approved a request from 30 people from Albuquerque. They wanted to settle at Cebolleta and build a town there.

Military Actions and Explorations

In 1800, Governor Chacón organized a military trip against the Navajo people in the Tunicha Mountains. However, 20 Navajo leaders asked for peace, and the conflict ended for a while. But in 1804 and 1805, the Spanish and Navajo groups had more fights.

In 1804, Chacón received an order from Nemesio Salcedo. He was told to send an expedition to northern New Mexico. The goal was to find Lewis and Clark, two American explorers who had started their famous journey a few months earlier.

This expedition was called "Expedition of Captain Merri." It was led by Pedro Vial and José Jarvet. The group included 52 soldiers, Spanish settlers, and Native Americans. They left Santa Fe, New Mexico, on August 1.

Later in 1804, Fernando Chacón's time as governor ended. He was replaced by Joaquín del Real Alencaster.

See also

In Spanish: Fernando Chacón para niños