José Bandini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Bandini
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1771 |
| Died | 1841 |
| Nationality | Spanish, Mexican |
José Bandini (1771–1841) was an important sea captain from Spain and Mexico. He was one of the first people to settle in San Diego, California.
Early Life and Family
José Bandini was born in Cádiz, Spain, in 1771. His family likely had Italian roots before moving to Spain.
In 1793, he moved to Lima, Peru. He married twice there. His first wife was Ysidora Blancas. After she passed away in 1801, he married Manuela Mazuelos.
José Bandini had several children. One of his sons, Manuel Antonio Bandini Mazuelos, became an Archbishop in Lima. Another son, Juan Bandini, became a well-known political leader in California. This was during the time when California was part of Mexico and later the United States.
José Bandini was a lieutenant in the Spanish navy. A lieutenant is an officer rank, like a leader on a ship. He fought in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This was a famous sea battle where the British navy defeated the Spanish and French fleets.
In December 1818, he first visited California. At that time, California was still part of Spain. He was the captain of a ship called Reina de los Ángeles. He brought military supplies and soldiers to Monterey, which was the capital of Alta California. This was to help defend against a French corsair named Hippolyte Bouchard. A corsair was like a pirate who worked for a government.
Two years later, José Bandini and his crew joined the Mexican War of Independence. This war was fought to make Mexico free from Spain. They swore loyalty to Agustín de Iturbide, a leader in the Mexican revolution.
Settling in California
In 1822, Mexico became independent from Spain. The new Mexican government allowed José Bandini to retire from the military. He retired with the rank of capitán de milicias, which means captain of the militia.
Soon after, he moved to San Diego, California. A writer named Richard Henry Dana described Bandini's home. He said Bandini built a large house with a courtyard. He also had many Native American workers and lived like a very important person in the area.
In 1828, José Bandini wrote a book called Descrision de l'Alta California. This book described California's people, land, resources, and trade. At the time, the Mexican government only allowed foreign ships to trade through the port of Monterey. Bandini believed this rule was hurting California's economy.
He suggested that imports should also be allowed at the port of San Diego. He also thought California's exports, like animal hides, tallow (animal fat), and wheat, should be allowed to be shipped from anywhere along the coast.
His son, Juan Bandini, later used this book. He used it to write a report for the government in 1830.
José Bandini passed away in San Diego in 1841.
See also
In Spanish: José Bandini para niños
