Juan Ramírez de Velasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Ramírez de la Piscina de Velasco y Ábalos
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portrait of Juan Ramírez de Velasco
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| Governor of the Tucumán (1586-1593) Governor of the Río de la Plata and Paraguay (1595-1596) |
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| Monarch | Philip II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1539 La Rioja, Spain |
| Died | 1597 Santa Fe, Viceroyalty of Peru |
| Occupation | Conquistador |
| Profession | Military man |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Rank | General |
Juan Ramírez de Velasco (born around 1539 – died 1597) was a Spanish explorer and leader. He played an important role in the Spanish colonization of parts of South America. This included areas that are now Chile and Argentina. He is also known for founding the province of La Rioja in Argentina.
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Early Life and Family
Juan Ramírez de Velasco was born in a village called Estollo in Spain. He came from a noble family in Castile. His family was even related to King Ramiro Sánchez of Navarre. In 1570, Juan married Catherine de Ugarte in Seville, Spain. She was also from a noble Spanish family.
A Spanish Explorer's Journey
Juan Ramírez de Velasco began his career as a soldier. In his younger years, he fought in wars in Flanders and Italy. These battles were part of the Italian War of 1551–59.
Governor of Tucumán
Later, Juan Ramírez de Velasco traveled to America. There, King Philip II of Spain appointed him as the governor of Tucumán. He took over from Hernando de Lerma. Ramírez served as governor of Tucumán from 1586 to 1593.
Founding New Cities
While he was governor of Tucumán, Juan Ramírez de Velasco led expeditions. In 1588, he went on trips against the native people in the Calchaquí Valley. He managed to gain the support of a son of Juan Calchaquí, a local leader.
Soon after, he founded a new city. He named it Todos los Santos de la Nueva Rioja. This city is now known simply as La Rioja. In 1592, he founded another city called Madrid de las Juntas. This city is located in what is now the Metán Department.
Commander of Río de la Plata
In 1594, Juan Ramírez de Velasco received a new important role. He was appointed as the commander of the Governorate of the Rio de la Plata. He held this position from 1595 to 1597. Later, Hernando Arias de Saavedra took over his role.
Later Life and Legacy
Juan Ramírez de Velasco passed away in February 1597. He died in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. His work helped shape the early history of Spanish settlements in South America.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Ramírez de Velasco para niños
