Luis Colón, 1st Duke of Veragua facts for kids
Luis Colón y Álvarez de Toledo was an important person in Spanish history. He was born around 1519 to 1522 and passed away in 1572. Luis was the first son of Diego Colón and María Álvarez de Toledo y Rojas. This means he was also the grandson of the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus.
Inheriting a Legacy
After his father, Diego Colón, passed away, there were some legal disagreements. These were known as the pleitos colombinos, or "Columbus lawsuits." In 1536, a special agreement was reached. Luis Colón gave up some of his family's claims. In return, he received several important titles and lands.
He was named the 3rd Admiral of the Indies. This was a very important naval title. He also received a yearly payment of 10,000 ducats. A ducat was a type of gold coin. Luis also gained control of the island of Jamaica. This island was given to him as a "fief," which meant he had special rights over it.
He also received a large estate in the Province of Veragua. This area is in what is now Panama. The estate was 25 square leagues in size. A league was an old unit of distance. Along with these lands, Luis received new noble titles. He became the 1st Duke of Veragua and the 1st Marquess of Jamaica. He was also named the 1st Duke of La Vega.
His Family
Luis Colón y Álvarez de Toledo married twice during his life.
His first marriage was in 1546. He married María de Mosquera y Pasamonte. She was the daughter of Juan de Mosquera and Ofrasina de Pasamonte. Luis and María had two daughters together:
- María Colón de Toledo y Mosquera, who became a nun in Valladolid.
- Felipa Colón de Toledo, 2nd Duchess of Veragua, who later inherited some of his titles.
Luis married a second time in Valladolid. This marriage took place on October 19, 1555. His second wife was Ana de Castro Osorio. She was the daughter of Beatriz de Castro Osório, the 6th Countess of Lemos and Sárria. Ana's father was Alvaro Osorio. Luis and Ana did not have any children together.
Learn More
In Spanish: Luis Colón de Toledo para niños
