Juan de Salazar de Espinosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan de Salazar y Espinosa
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Statue of Juan de Salazar in Asunción
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| Born | 1508 Espinosa de los Monteros, Spain
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| Died | 1560 |
| Occupation | Spanish soldier |
Juan de Salazar y Espinosa (1508–1560) was a Spanish explorer. He is famous for founding the city of Asunción in Paraguay. He was born in Espinosa de los Monteros, Spain. Not much is known about his early life. He was married to Isabel Contreras y Mendoza and had five children. Juan de Salazar died in Asunción, Paraguay, on February 11, 1560.
Contents
Journey to South America
Joining Pedro de Mendoza's Expedition
In August 1535, Juan de Salazar began a big adventure. He sailed from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain. He was part of an expedition led by Pedro de Mendoza. Their goal was to explore the Río de la Plata region in South America. They reached the mouth of the Río de la Plata in January 1536.
Helping to Found Buenos Aires
Juan de Salazar helped Pedro de Mendoza establish the first settlement of Buenos Aires. This was a very important step for the Spanish in the new world. After this, Salazar was given a new task. He needed to find another explorer named Juan de Ayolas. Ayolas had gone ahead to explore the northern rivers. These rivers included the Paraná and Paraguay River.
Finding Domingo Martínez de Irala
While searching for Ayolas, Salazar found another member of Ayolas's group. This was Domingo Martínez de Irala. Irala was staying at a place called Puerto de la Candelaria. Ayolas had founded this port in February 1537.
Founding Asunción
A New Fort on the Paraguay River
Juan de Salazar continued his search for Ayolas. During his journey, he built a fort. This fort was on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River. He named it "Our Lady of Asunción." He chose this name because it was August 15. This day is a special Christian holiday called the Assumption of Mary.
The First Permanent European Settlement
Juan de Salazar y Espinosa is known for founding the first lasting European settlement in this area. This settlement was Asunción. It later became the capital city of Paraguay.
The Search for Ayolas Continues
After founding the fort, Salazar traveled further. He went as far as San Pedro to look for Ayolas. Sadly, he discovered that Ayolas had been killed. He was killed by the Chaco Indians.
Later Life and Return
In 1544, Juan de Salazar was sent back to Spain. This happened because he supported the former governor of the Río de la Plata, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. Nine years later, he returned to the region. He came back as a leader of the Sanabria expedition. Juan de Salazar died in 1560 in Asunción, the city he had founded.
Images for kids
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Statue of Juan de Salazar in Asunción
See also
In Spanish: Juan de Salazar para niños
