João Vaz Corte-Real facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
João Vaz Corte-Real
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João Vaz Corte-Real in a 19th-century drawing
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| 1st Captain-Donatário of Angra | |
| In office 1474–1496 |
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| Monarch | |
| Preceded by | Jácome de Bruges |
| Succeeded by | Vasco Anes Corte-Real |
| Constituency | Angra |
| 1st Captain-Donatário of São Jorge | |
| In office 1474–1496 |
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| Succeeded by | Vasco Anes Corte-Real |
| Constituency | São Jorge |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
João Vaz Corte-Real
1420 |
| Died | 1496 |
| Citizenship | Kingdom of Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Spouse | Maria de Abarca |
| Children | Miguel Corte-Real Vasco Anes Corte-Real Gaspar Corte-Real |
João Vaz Corte-Real (born around 1420, died 1496) was a Portuguese sailor. Some stories say he was an explorer who discovered a land called Terra Nova do Bacalhau. This name means "New Land of the Codfish." People think this land might have been part of North America. Because of his efforts, Corte-Real was given control of two areas in the Azores: São Jorge and Angra. These areas were called Donatário-Captaincies.
Biography
João Vaz Corte-Real was part of the important Corte-Real family. He was the father of two other famous explorers, Miguel and Gaspar Corte-Real. Some people believe his sons went with him on his journey.
There is some old information that suggests an expedition in 1473. This trip might have been a joint effort between the kings of Portugal and Denmark. It is thought that Corte-Real traveled with German sailors named Didrik Pining and Hans Pothorst. Another person, possibly mythical, named John Scolvus might also have been with them.
The idea that he found Terra Nova do Bacalhau comes from a book. This book, called Saudades de terra, was written by Gaspar Frutuoso around 1570-80. Some people guess that this unknown island was actually Newfoundland. Frutuoso also suggested that Corte-Real received land on Terceira Island because of this discovery.
However, other official records from that time do not mention any discovery. Instead, they say he received land for "expenses he had incurred" and "services rendered." Because there is no strong proof, the claims about his discovery are just theories.
Captain-Donatário Role
We know that Corte-Real was first given control of São Jorge Island in the Azores in 1472. He was in charge of this island until 1474. After that, he was given the job of Captain-Donatário of Angra. This area is on Terceira Island.
He received this position from Infanta Beatrice, Duchess of Viseu. The King also approved it. This happened after Jacome de Bruges, the first Captain-Donatário, disappeared. After Bruges vanished, the King divided Terceira Island into two parts. One part, Praia, went to Álvaro Martins Homem. Corte-Real received Angra.
He moved to Angra and worked to encourage people to settle there. However, dividing the island into two captaincies made it harder for the island to grow quickly.
Later Life
João Vaz Corte-Real and his wife, D. Maria de Abarca, were buried in the church of the Convent of São Francisco. His children and grandchildren did not live in Angra. Instead, they sent ouvidores (which were like special representatives or judges) to manage their properties there.
See also
In Spanish: João Vaz Corte Real para niños
