List of viceroys of New Granada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viceroy of New Granada |
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Coat of arms of Colonial-era Bogotá
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| Appointer | King of Spain |
| Formation | 1718 |
| First holder | Antonio Ignacio de la Pedrosa y Guerrero |
| Final holder | Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón |
| Abolished | 1821 |
The Spanish viceroys were powerful leaders who ruled the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This large area in northern South America was a colony of Spain from 1717 to 1819. A viceroy was like a king's representative, governing a huge territory in the name of the King of Spain.
What Was New Granada?
The Viceroyalty of New Granada was a big Spanish colony. It covered much of what is now Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. It also included parts of Guyana, southwestern Suriname, northwestern Brazil, northern Peru, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Before 1718, these lands were part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. This meant they were ruled from Peru, which was another Spanish colony. But in 1718, Spain decided to create the Viceroyalty of New Granada as its own separate colony. This made it easier to govern such a large and important region.
Later, in 1777, the areas that make up modern Venezuela became a separate colony called the Captaincy General of Venezuela. It had its own leader, called a Captain General.
The lands of the Viceroyalty of New Granada became independent from Spain between 1819 and 1822. This happened after many battles and political changes. After gaining freedom, these new countries joined together to form a large republic called Gran Colombia (1821–1831).
Who Were the Viceroys?
The viceroys were the most important Spanish officials in New Granada. They were chosen by the King of Spain to manage the colony. They oversaw everything from collecting taxes to making laws and leading the military. Here is a list of the people who served as viceroys:
| Viceroy | Dates of Administration | Portrait |
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| Antonio Ignacio de la Pedrosa y Guerrero* | 13 June 1718 – 25 November 1719 | .svg) |
| Jorge de Villalonga** | 25 November 1719 – 11 May 1724 | .jpg) |
| Sebastián de Eslava | 24 April 1740 – 6 November 1749 |  |
| José Alfonso Pizarro | 6 November 1749 – 24 November 1753 |  |
| José Solís Folch de Cardona | 24 November 1753 – 25 February 1761 |  |
| Pedro Messía de la Cerda | 1761–1772 | .jpg) |
| Manuel de Guirior | 1772–1776 |  |
| Manuel Antonio Flórez | 1776 – 26 November 1781 |  |
| Juan de Torrezar Díaz Pimienta | 1 April 1782 – 11 June 1782 |  |
| Antonio Caballero y Góngora | 1782–1788 |  |
| Francisco Gil de Taboada y Lemos | 1788–1789 |  |
| José Manuel de Ezpeleta | 1789–1797 |  |
| Pedro Mendinueta y Múzquiz | 2 January 1797 – 16 September 1803 | .svg) |
| Antonio José Amar y Borbón | 16 September 1803 – 20 July 1810 |  |
| Francisco Javier Venegas*** | 20 July 1810 - 21 March 1812 |  |
| Benito Pérez Brito | 21 March 1812 – November 1812 |  |
| Francisco Montalvo y Ambulodi | 16 April 1816 – 9 March 1818 |  |
| Juan José de Sámano y Uribarri | 9 March 1818 – August 1819 |  |
| Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón | 1819–1821 |  |
- An acting viceroy was a temporary leader who did not have the full official title.
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- The Viceroyalty was briefly closed in 1723. Its government went back to being part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. But it was re-opened as a separate viceroyalty in 1739.
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- This person was chosen for the job but did not officially start ruling.
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See also
In Spanish: Virrey de la Nueva Granada para niños
- Colonial Colombia
- Viceroyalty of New Granada topics
- History of Colombia
