Juan de Salmerón facts for kids

Juan de Salmerón was an important Spanish official in a place called New Spain (which is now Mexico). He was a special judge, known as an oidor. He was part of the second group of leaders, called the Real Audiencia of Mexico, who governed New Spain from 1531 to 1534. After this, Antonio de Mendoza became the first Viceroy of New Spain, taking over the government. Juan de Salmerón also helped build the very first European settlement in Puebla, Puebla, along with Fray Toribio de Benavente Motolinia.

Before he came to the New World, Salmerón became a doctor of law. He also worked as an advisor for Emperor Charles V. Later, he was a mayor (called an alcalde) in a place called Castilla de Oro in Central America.

Choosing New Leaders

After some problems with the first group of leaders in New Spain, Emperor Charles V carefully picked five good men to take their place. This new group was called the second Audiencia. They were chosen in a royal order on January 12, 1530.

The new leaders included Bishop Sebastián Ramírez de Fuenleal as the president. The judges, or oidores, were Salmerón, Francisco Ceinos, Alonso de Maldonado, and Vasco de Quiroga. All these men were known for being honest, honorable, and very capable.

Journey to New Spain

Bishop Sebastián Ramírez de Fuenleal was in Santo Domingo at the time. But the other members of the Audiencia were in Spain. They started their journey from Seville on September 16, 1530. They arrived in the port of Veracruz in early 1531.

Improving the Colony

The second Audiencia made many improvements in New Spain. They made the road better between Veracruz and Mexico City. Along this road, they started a new city called Puebla de los Angeles on April 16, 1531. This city was a place for travelers to rest.

They also brought horses and cattle from Spain. They worked to bring a printing press to the colony. They founded the Imperial College of Santiago Tlatelolco. This college was for young indigenous men to get a higher education. The Audiencia also continued exploring new areas. They kept working on the main cathedral in Mexico City. In 1532, they made it illegal to enslave indigenous people.

The second Audiencia also took legal action against the previous leaders. These leaders were Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, Juan Ortiz de Matienzo, and Diego Delgadillo. Beltrán de Guzmán was not in the capital, but the other two were sent back to Spain as prisoners.

Building Puebla

When Bishop Ramírez de Fuenleal decided to create the city of Puebla, he chose Fray Toribio and Judge Salmerón for the job. They were in charge of this important task. With the help of many indigenous workers, they built the city. Fray Toribio held the first Catholic Mass there on April 16, 1531.

Salmerón also helped divide lands in the Valley of Atlixco, which is near Puebla. The first land division happened on December 5, 1532. Land was given to 34 Spanish settlers. Salmerón oversaw this division. Important indigenous chiefs agreed to it.

Special Privileges for Puebla

In August 1531, Judge Salmerón asked for special benefits for the new settlement of Puebla. The Spanish King agreed to name the city "Puebla de Los Angeles." The King also gave the settlers a special break from paying personal and business taxes for 30 years. These special benefits were officially granted in a royal order on March 20, 1532.

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Salmerón para niños

• List of Viceroys of New Spain