Ignacio de Arteaga y Bazán facts for kids
Ignacio de Arteaga y Bazán (born February 17, 1731 – died 1783) was an important officer in the Spanish Navy. He is best known for his explorations in Alaska.
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Ignacio de Arteaga was born in Aracena, a town in Andalusia, Spain. His family helped him join the naval academy in Cádiz. In 1747, he became a guardiamarina, which is like a midshipman today. After finishing his studies in 1754, he earned the rank of alférez de fragata (ensign). He served on many ships and in different places. In 1766, he moved to Havana and took command of his first ship, a small vessel called the Vibora. The next year, in 1767, he was promoted to teniente de navío (lieutenant).
A Difficult Time
In 1771, Arteaga returned to Spain. He faced a serious disagreement about his personal life that led to him being confined for a period. He was released in 1774. Even though he could continue his navy career, he was sent to a faraway naval base called San Blas. This base was on the west coast of New Spain, which is now Mexico. He arrived there in 1775.
Exploring Alaska
In 1779, Arteaga was given command of a special expedition to Alaska. Two frigates, which are types of warships, were assigned to this mission. Arteaga commanded the Favorita. The other frigate, the Princesa, was led by Bodega y Quadra. Other important officers, like Francisco Antonio Mourelle, were also part of the expedition.
The main goals of this journey were:
- To see how much Russia was exploring in Alaska.
- To search for a Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- To find and capture James Cook if he was in Spanish waters. However, they didn't find Cook because he had already died in Hawaii earlier that year.
Journey to Bucareli Bay
The two frigates sailed directly from San Blas to Bucareli Bay in Alaska. The trip took 81 days, which was quite fast. This gave them plenty of time to explore. Arteaga and Bodega y Quadra carefully mapped Bucareli Bay. Then, they sailed north to a place now called Port Etches. This port is on Hinchinbrook Island, near the entrance to Prince William Sound.
Claiming New Lands
While their ships were anchored, Arteaga led a group ashore to perform a special ceremony. This ceremony was to formally claim the land for Spain. All the officers and chaplains went ashore together. They raised a large cross, and cannons and muskets fired salutes. They sang a hymn called the Te Deum and said prayers. After a sermon, they wrote a formal document to claim the land. Arteaga named the site Puerto de Santiago. This name honored Saint James, who is the patron saint of Spain. His feast day is on July 25. This claim to Puerto de Santiago was very important for many years. It was the basis for Spain's claim to control the North Pacific up to a certain latitude.
Further Discoveries and Return
Arteaga and Bodega y Quadra continued their exploration. They explored Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula. They performed another claiming ceremony on August 2, 1779, in a place now called Port Chatham. However, many crew members became sick. Because of this, Arteaga decided it was time to return south. On September 8, the ships met up again and began their journey back to San Blas.
Even though Spain usually kept its explorations secret, the 1779 voyage of Arteaga and Bodega y Quadra became widely known. A French explorer named La Perouse got a copy of their map, which was published in 1798. Also, Mourelle's journal from the trip was published in London.
Later Life and Legacy
After returning to San Blas, Arteaga asked for and received a royal pardon. This meant his past issues were forgiven, and his pension was restored. He did not go to sea again because of his "broken health." Arteaga served as the leader of the naval department in San Blas until he died in 1783. Shortly before his death, he was promoted to capitán de fragata (commander). This was his first promotion in 16 years.
See also
In Spanish: Ignacio de Arteaga y Bazán para niños
