Governor of Montevideo facts for kids

The Governor of Montevideo was an important leader in a region now known as Uruguay. This job was created in 1750 by Ferdinand VI of Spain, the King of Spain. His goal was to better control the area called the Banda Oriental. This name means 'Eastern Bank' and refers to the land on the east side of the Río de la Plata river.

Spain gained control of the Banda Oriental after the Treaty of Madrid in 1750. The region was part of larger Spanish territories. These included the Viceroyalty of Peru and later the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Eventually, it became part of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.

Why the Governor of Montevideo Was Needed

Spain faced challenges in controlling the Banda Oriental region. The Portuguese Empire was always trying to expand from Colonial Brazil. There were not many Spanish settlements along the border. This made it hard to stop the Portuguese.

Also, native groups lived in the area. They often defended their homelands. Sometimes, the Portuguese might have encouraged them to fight against the Spanish. Because of these threats, the Spanish Crown decided to create a new leadership role. They chose the recently founded city of Montevideo for this new office.

Montevideo was a small village back then. But its location was very important for military reasons. Because of its strategic value, the city quickly became more significant. At first, the Governor's control only reached about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the city. This was the only part of the Banda Oriental that Spain truly controlled.

Governors During Spanish Rule (1751–1814)

These are the people who served as Governor of Montevideo when the area was part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata:

• José Joaquín de Viana (1751–1764)
• Agustín de la Rosa (1764–1771)
• José Joaquín de Viana (1771–1773)
• Joaquín del Pino y Rozas (1773–1790)
• Antonio de Olaguer y Feliú (1790–1797)
• José de Bustamante y Guerra (1797–1804)
• Pascual Ruiz Huidobro (1804–1807)

In 1807, British forces took over Montevideo. They captured Governor Ruiz Huidobro. The British held the city until September 9, 1807. Then, Spain took it back. The role of Governor was started again:

• Francisco Javier de Elío (1807–1810)
• Joaquín de Soria (April to October 1810)
• Gaspar de Vigodet (1810–1814)

Governors After Spanish Rule Ended (1814–1817)

On June 23, 1814, troops from Argentina and Uruguay entered Montevideo. They were led by Carlos María de Alvear. This event ended Spain's control over the city. The new government, called the Supreme Directorate of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, continued the office of Governor of Montevideo. They appointed these leaders:

• Nicolás Rodríguez Peña (July to August, 1814)
• Miguel Estanislao Soler (August, 1814 to February, 1815)

On February 25, 1815, the Argentine troops left Montevideo. Forces led by José Gervasio Artigas took control. Artigas then appointed two 'delegate' governors. These were the last two people to hold the title of Governor of Montevideo:

• Fernando Otorgués (February to July, 1815)
• Miguel Barreiro (July, 1815 to January, 1817)

The job of Governor ended in July 1816. This happened during the second Portuguese invasion of Uruguay.

See also

In Spanish: Gobierno de Montevideo para niños