José Solís Folch de Cardona Facts for Kids

José Solís y Folch de Cardona, a Spanish leader in New Granada.

José Solís y Folch de Cardona was an important Spanish leader. He was born in Madrid, Spain, on February 4, 1716. He later became the viceroy of New Granada. This was a large Spanish colony in South America. He served as viceroy from November 24, 1753, to February 25, 1761.

Early Life and Career

José Solís y Folch de Cardona came from a noble family. His father, José Solís y Gante, was the 3rd Duke of Montellano. His father was also one of the first members of the Royal Spanish Academy.

José Solís was a cavalry colonel from 1736 to 1747. He led a regiment of soldiers. King Ferdinand VI of Spain chose him to be the viceroy of New Granada.

Achievements as Viceroy

When José Solís became viceroy, he brought a new style of grand ceremonies to the colony. He worked to improve many things in New Granada.

Building and Infrastructure

He made the mint stronger, which is where money is made. He also built new roads, bridges, and aqueducts. An aqueduct is a system that carries water. One important aqueduct he built was for Santa Fé de Bogotá.

Public Services and Census

He ordered the first official count of the colony's population. This is called a census. He also worked to improve the postal service. He made tax collection better and helped the Audiencia work more efficiently. The Audiencia was a high court and governing body.

Economy and Education

Viceroy Solís tried to organize the mining industry. He also worked to improve trade within the colony. He brought back the study of medicine at the Colegio del Rosario. He also created a group to set the borders with the Portuguese colony of Brazil.

Health and Community Care

He founded a hospital called San Juan de Dios. He helped many people during a measles outbreak. People liked him because he was fair and honest. Both the local council and the archbishop of Bogotá asked the king to let him stay longer as viceroy.

Review of His Time in Office

After his time as viceroy ended, there was a special review. This review was called a juicio de residencia. It was a common process to check how a leader had managed their duties.

The review of Viceroy Solís's time in office was very detailed. Many people gave statements. The report was sent to the Council of the Indies in Spain. This council was a very important governing body for the Spanish colonies.

The Council of the Indies carefully reviewed everything. On August 29, 1764, they found José Solís not guilty of any wrongdoing. The Council even praised him. They said he showed "love, fervor, effectiveness and dispatch" during his seven years as viceroy.

Life as a Monk

After his term as viceroy, José Solís decided to become a monk. He joined a Franciscan convent on February 25, 1761. He had already been a member of the Third Order of Franciscans before he became viceroy.

He helped pay for the building of the church of the Third Order in Bogotá. He also gave bells and a clock to the Church of San Francisco. He gave away all his other belongings to people in need. He lived a quiet life until he passed away in 1770.

As a monk, he was known as Fray José de Jesús María. He became a priest in 1769. That same year, leaders in Bogotá suggested he become the next archbishop. However, he never held that position. He died on April 27, 1770, in Bogotá. His skull is kept in the sacristy of the Church of San Francisco in Bogotá.