García Sarmiento de Sotomayor, 2nd Count of Salvatierra facts for kids
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The Count of Salvatierra
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| Viceroy of New Spain | |
| In office November 23, 1642 – May 13, 1648 |
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| Monarch | Philip IV |
| Prime Minister | Count-Duke of Olivares |
| Preceded by | Juan de Palafox |
| Succeeded by | Marcos de Torres |
| 16th Viceroy of Peru | |
| In office September 20, 1648 – February 1655 |
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| Monarch | Philip IV |
| Preceded by | The Marquess of Mancera |
| Succeeded by | Luis Enríquez de Guzmán |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1595 Spain |
| Died | June 26, 1659 Lima, Peru |
| Signature |  |
Don Diego García Sarmiento de Sotomayor (born around 1595 in Spain, died June 26, 1659, in Lima, Peru) was an important Spanish official. He held two very powerful jobs: he was the viceroy of New Spain (which is now Mexico) from 1642 to 1648, and then the viceroy of Peru from 1648 to 1655. He was also known as the 2nd Count of Salvatierra.
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Who was García Sarmiento de Sotomayor?
García Sarmiento de Sotomayor was born in Spain in the late 1500s. His family was well-known. He was related to Don Diego de Sarmiento, a knight in the Order of Alcántara. This was a special group of knights.
He married a noblewoman named Doña Antonia de Acuña y de Guzmán. She traveled with him to New Spain. There, she was known as the virreina, which means the viceroy's wife.
Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico)
In 1642, the king of Spain, Philip IV, chose Sarmiento de Sotomayor to be the new viceroy of New Spain. The previous viceroy, Diego López Pacheco, was removed from his job.
Sarmiento de Sotomayor arrived in Veracruz in October 1642. He officially started his duties in Mexico City on November 23, 1642.
Challenges in New Spain
Just like other viceroys before him, Sarmiento de Sotomayor had to deal with big floods in Mexico City. In 1645, a canal became blocked. This caused water from Lake Zumpango to flow into Lake Mexico, making the city flood. The viceroy quickly ordered the canal to be cleaned. This helped to remove the danger to the city.
He also sent a group of explorers in 1648. Their mission was to explore and settle the Californias. However, the group returned without finding much land that interested them.
New Cities and Peace Efforts
Viceroy Salvatierra founded a new city called Salvatierra in the region of Guanajuato. He also set up a military fort, or presidio, at Cerro Gordo. This fort was on the main road leading to important mines.
He worked to make peace with different Native American tribes in the northern areas. He also stopped rebellions by other tribes. He made sure that the aqueducts, which brought water to Mexico City, were rebuilt. He also started requiring special tax stamps on legal papers.
On May 13, 1648, he finished his time as viceroy of New Spain. He handed over the government to the new viceroy, Marcos de Torres y Rueda.
Viceroy of Peru
After leaving New Spain, Sarmiento de Sotomayor traveled to Peru. He became the viceroy there in September 1648. He served as the viceroy of Peru until 1655. He stayed in Peru until he passed away in 1659.
See also
In Spanish: García Sarmiento de Sotomayor para niños
