Juan de la Cámara facts for kids
Juan de la Cámara (born 1525, died 1602) was a Spanish explorer and a nobleman. He was born in Alcala de Henares, Spain. In 1539, he traveled to New Spain (which is now Mexico). He joined the Spanish Conquest of Yucatán, helping Francisco de Montejo a lot. Juan de la Cámara also took part in the conquests of Mexico and Guatemala. He was known for having a very old and important family history.
Juan de la Cámara held important jobs in Yucatán. He was one of the people who helped start the city of Mérida. For many years, he was a local officer (called an alguacil) in Mérida. In 1565, he became the mayor of the city. He was the first important member of the House of Cámara family in Yucatán. Many people from his family held important political jobs for hundreds of years. This was true during Spanish rule and even after Mexico became independent.
Juan de la Cámara's Military Adventures
Juan de la Cámara took part in some tough military campaigns. He helped conquer areas like Chetumal. This was a very difficult time during the conquest of Yucatán. Juan de la Cámara helped found the city of Salamanca de Bacalar. This city is located near Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
He also joined Captain Francisco de Montejo in conquering the area around Lake of Izabal. This place is now part of Guatemala. During this time, he helped start the city of Nueva Seville.
Later, Juan de la Cámara helped fight against a big rebellion by the Maya. He was under the command of Captain Francisco Bracamonte.
After the city of Salamanca de Bacalar was founded, the Spanish Crown gave Juan de la Cámara special rights. He was given control over the towns of Cahabon (in modern-day Guatemala) and Tituz. This was called an encomienda. When he came back to Mérida after the Maya rebellion, he received another encomienda. This time, it was for the towns of Euan and Sinanche.
The Cámara Family History
Juan de la Cámara was the first important member of the Cámara family in Yucatán. His family history goes back more than 700 years. His ancestors were part of the Spanish nobility from the Kingdom of Castille. They fought for the Spanish Crown in many battles during the Reconquista.
During the Siege of Málaga (1487), Juan's great-grandfather, Alfonso Ruiz de la Cámara, was honored. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, made him a knight. They gave him the Order of the Golden Spur. This act also officially recognized the old family symbol, called a coat of arms. Juan de la Cámara was one of the few explorers who had the right to use such an old and recognized family symbol.
In 1563, Juan de la Cámara married Doña Francisca de Sandoval. Her father was also an explorer and nobleman named Don Gonzalo Méndez. Juan's children and grandchildren became one of the most important families in Mexico during the time of Spanish rule.
The Cámara family is special because they have kept their family name and social standing for a very long time. They have been an important family from the beginning of the Spanish colonial period until today. This is rare in Spanish America. They have stayed a single family with similar features for over 18 generations. Over the centuries, members of the Cámara family often married into other important European families. These included families like the Montejo, Solís, and Peón families. Sometimes, they even married other members of their own large family.
For many years, Juan de la Cámara's descendants owned the Rancho de Cancún. This area is now one of the most popular tourist spots in the Caribbean. Through the 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s, the Cámara family has had many important members. They have included soldiers, politicians, church leaders, business people, and people who helped others.
See also
In Spanish: Juan de la Cámara para niños
- List of conquistadors
