Hernando Alonso facts for kids

Hernando Alonso (born around 1460 – died October 17, 1528) was a Spanish explorer and soldier, known as a conquistador. He is thought to be the first person of Jewish faith to arrive in the Americas. He was also the first person in the New World to face a very harsh punishment for his beliefs.

Early Life and Arrival in the New World

Hernando Alonso was likely from a town called Moguer in Andalusia, Spain. Before becoming a conquistador, he worked as a blacksmith. He was married to a woman named Beatriz, who was the sister of another well-known figure, Diego de Ordaz.

Alonso came to Mexico around 1520 or 1521 with Pánfilo de Narváez. He was over 60 years old at this time. He played a part in the Fall of Tenochtitlan, which was a major event where the Spanish took control of the Aztec capital. He helped build the special ships called brigs that were used in the battle. He was also probably present during a difficult retreat for the Spanish, known as La Noche Triste (The Sad Night).

Life in Mexico City

After the conquest, Hernando Alonso became involved in the meat trade, supplying food between 1524 and 1528.

His first wife, Beatriz, passed away before the siege of Mexico City. He later remarried twice. First, he married a woman named Ana. After Ana's death, he married Isabel de Aguilar. After Hernando Alonso's death, Isabel de Aguilar married another conquistador, Juan Perez de Gama, and moved to Seville, Spain. Hernando Alonso's daughter with Beatriz, also named Beatriz, married Alonso de Nuñez in Seville.

Challenges and Legacy

In 1528, Hernando Alonso faced serious accusations related to his religious beliefs. He was accused of secretly practicing Jewish customs, which was against the rules of the time in Spanish territories. Even though some historians believe the accusations might have been partly made up, Alonso was forced to confess. He was then put to death because of his faith. His brother, Gonzalo de Morales, also faced the same fate on that day.

It is believed that two or three of his children were still living in Mexico City in 1574.

Hernando Alonso in Literature

The American writer Alan Cheuse wrote a story called Hernando Alonso. This story was based on the life of Hernando Alonso. It was published in 1998 as part of a collection of stories called Lost and Old Rivers.