Juan Manuel de Salcedo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Manuel de Salcedo
|
|
|---|---|
| 11th Governor of Spanish Louisiana | |
| In office 1801–1803 |
|
| Monarch | Charles IV |
| Preceded by | Sebastián Calvo de la Puerta y O'Farrill |
| Succeeded by | Pierre Clément de Laussat as French Governor of Louisiana |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1743 Bilbao, Spain |
| Died | c. 1810 Seville, Spain |
| Spouse |
Francisca de Quiroga y Manso
(m. 1775; died 1801) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Viceroyalty of New Spain Kingdom of Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | |
Juan Manuel de Salcedo was an important Spanish leader. He was the 11th and last governor of Spanish Louisiana from 1801 to 1803. He was in charge when Spain gave the Louisiana territory back to France, as agreed in the Treaty of San Ildefonso. This happened just before France sold the land to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Juan Manuel de Salcedo was born in 1743 in Bilbao, Spain. He chose a career in the military. As an officer, he helped defend his home region during the Seven Years' War.
In the late 1760s, Salcedo served in North Africa. He was stationed in Spanish ports like Ceuta and Melilla. Later, he moved to the Canary Islands. In 1776, he arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He stayed there for twenty years, rising to a high position as a "lieutenant to the king." In July 1797, Salcedo helped defend Santa Cruz de Tenerife against a British attack. His efforts were successful, and he even captured 29 British soldiers.
Serving as Governor of Spanish Louisiana
Salcedo was chosen to be the governor of Louisiana on October 24, 1799. He was meant to replace Governor Gayoso, who had passed away. However, Salcedo was not well. He could not take on the role until July 15, 1801. During this time, Sebastián Calvo de la Puerta y O'Farrill served as governor in his place.
Salcedo's time as governor was not very popular. He was reportedly difficult with the members of the local council, known as the Cabildo. He even avoided their meetings. He was also quite unfriendly towards the United States. One of his first actions was to send weapons to Natchitoches. He also gave orders to keep Americans out of the area. He even stopped American citizens from being given land.
End of His Governorship
Salcedo's time as governor ended when Louisiana was returned to France. This happened shortly before France sold the land to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. His predecessor, Casa Calvo, helped him transfer power. The new French governor, Pierre Clément de Laussat, took over on November 30, 1803.
Salcedo left New Orleans in May 1804 and returned to Cadiz, Spain. He first planned to retire to the Canary Islands. However, he asked for and received permission to stay in Spain. He wanted to be closer to his youngest son and his family. By early 1805, Salcedo was assigned to Andalusia, where he settled in Seville.
Salcedo's Family
Juan Manuel de Salcedo married Francisca de Quiroga y Manso in Málaga in 1775. Their son, Manuel María de Salcedo, later became the governor of Spanish Texas. Juan Manuel's brother, Nemesio de Salcedo, was also an important military leader. He was the Commandant General of the Interior Provinces.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Manuel de Salcedo para niños
