José Antonio Roméu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Antonio Romeu
|
|
|---|---|
| 6th Governor of the Californias | |
| In office 16 April 1791 – 9 April 1792 |
|
| Preceded by | Pedro Fages |
| Succeeded by | José Joaquín de Arrillaga |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1742? |
| Died | 1792 |
| Nationality |  Spanish |
| Profession | Soldier |
José Antonio Roméu (born around 1742 – died 1792) was an important Spanish leader. He served as the sixth governor of Alta California (which is now part of the U.S. state of California). His time as governor was short, lasting from 1791 to 1792.
A Soldier's Start
Before becoming a governor, José Antonio Roméu was a captain in the Spanish army. In 1782, he led a military action. This was after the Quechan people, also known as the Yuma tribe, attacked Spanish settlements.
In 1781, the Yuma tribe attacked two Spanish mission settlements in Arizona. These were called San Pedro y San Pablo de Bicuñer and Puerto de Purísima Concepción. Many people were killed, including Lieutenant Governor Fernando Rivera. Captain Roméu was the military leader in the response to this attack.
However, the Spanish army could not defeat the Yuma tribe. The Yuma people kept control of their land for the next seventy years. This event also caused the Anza Trail to close. This trail was an important route for people moving to the Yuma colony.
Becoming Governor
In April 1791, Pedro Fages stepped down as governor. He left Monterey, California, which was the capital and main port. Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Roméu was asked to take his place.
Roméu, his wife Doña Josefa, and their daughter began their journey. They first arrived in Loreto, Baja California Sur on March 17, 1791. While in Baja, Roméu's health became very poor. He suffered from chest pains and had trouble sleeping and digesting food.
Roméu finally arrived in Monterey in 1791. He was very ill and found it hard to do his job.
His Time as Governor
Even though he was sick, Governor Roméu led during a time of peace. He worked well with the Spanish missions in California and the Franciscan priests. During his time as governor, two new missions were started.
These missions were Mission Santa Cruz, founded on August 28, 1791. The second was Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, founded on October 9, 1791.
Final Days
By March 1792, Governor Roméu was so ill he had to stay in bed. He served as governor for only one year. He passed away on April 9, 1792. His funeral and burial took place at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. In October 1792, his wife and daughter returned to Mexico.
See also
