Francisco Cano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Major
Francisco Cano
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Spain
|
| Died | 1500s |
| Occupation | Conquistador Explorer |
| Known for | Exploring Northern Mexico, in what is today Nueva Galicia |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Spanish Empire |
| Service/ |
Spanish Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Major |
| Commands held | Mines of Mazapil |
| Battles/wars | Aftermath of the Conquest of the Aztec Empire |
| Other work | Explorer and landowner |
Francisco Cano was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who lived in the 1500s. He traveled through northern Mexico looking for gold and other valuable metals. Cano was a Lieutenant Major in charge of the Mazapil mines. He also discovered a lake in Mexico, which helped the Spanish settle more areas. His explorations were important for opening up new routes in Zacatecas, which helped with the colonization of what is now New Mexico. His work in the mines was very important for the metal trade, helping the Spanish economy grow worldwide.
Contents
Early Life of Francisco Cano
Francisco Cano likely grew up in Spain. During his time, many men were encouraged to travel to the "New World." These voyages aimed to explore and conquer new lands for the Spanish Empire.
Role as Lieutenant Major
Cano became a Lieutenant Major in the Spanish Army in New Spain (which is now Mexico). His job was to oversee the gold mines in Mazapil. A big part of his mission was to find new places with valuable metals in the northern parts of New Spain.
Exploring New Galicia
By the 1560s, the Spanish had taken over the Aztec Empire. They were then moving further north into what is now northern Mexico. On November 6, 1568, Cano reported finding a new lake. He named it "Lago de Nuevo Mexico." At this time, he was serving as the lieutenant major of the Mazapil mines.
Discovery of the Lake of New Mexico
In late 1568, Cano and his 16 soldiers found a large lake. They were searching for gold and silver mines in the area. Near the lake, they saw many small Native American villages. The Spanish called these villages rancherías. They also met many Chichimeca people, who were mostly fishermen. Cano named his discovery the Lake of New Mexico. His 16 soldiers agreed with the name. This lake was not in the area we call New Mexico today in the United States. It was most likely in what is now Zacatecas, Mexico. Exploring this area helped the Spanish gain a strong presence there.
Land Claims by Francisco Cano
During his time as an explorer, Cano claimed several areas of land. He claimed the right of discovery for the shores of the Tlahualia lagoon. This claim later led to the settlement of Parras de la Fuente. This city is in the southern part of the Mexican state of Coahuila.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Cano para niños
