Luis Enríquez de Guzmán, 9th Count of Alba de Liste facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Luis Enríquez de Guzmán Marquis of Villaflor Count of Alba de Liste
Viceroy of Peru
In office February 24, 1655 – December 31, 1661
Monarch	Philip IV
Preceded by	García Sarmiento de Sotomayor
Succeeded by	Diego de Benavides
Personal details
Born	c. 1605
Died	March 12, 1667

Don Luis Enríquez de Guzmán was an important Spanish official. He was born around 1605. He served as a viceroy in two major Spanish colonies. First, he was the viceroy of New Spain (which is now Mexico). He held this role from 1650 to 1653. Later, he became the viceroy of Peru, serving from 1655 to 1661. A viceroy was like a governor, ruling a colony in the name of the king of Spain.

Early Life and Career in Spain

Luis Enríquez de Guzmán was also known as the 9th Count of Alba de Liste. In Spain, he held several important jobs. He worked as a lieutenant and police officer in the city of Zamora. He was also the mayor of a town called Sacas. He was honored as a Knight Commander in the Order of Calatrava. This was a special group of knights.

Serving as Viceroy of New Spain

King Philip IV of Spain chose Luis Enríquez de Guzmán to be the viceroy of New Spain. This happened on May 28, 1648. He arrived near Mexico City on June 27, 1650. He officially started his job the next day.

Improving the Colony's Money System

One of his biggest achievements was fixing the colony's money system. He changed how taxes were collected. He created two special courts to handle taxes. This helped the government collect a lot more money. Most of this extra money was sent to Spain. It helped King Philip IV, who was having money problems.

Other Events in New Spain

During his time, some interesting things happened. There was a big argument between a bishop and the local government. They disagreed about a church emblem. A large fire also broke out at the Palace of Cortés. This was an important building.

Dealing with Rebellions

The Tarahumara people lived in the mountains of Chihuahua. They had been rebelling for several years. They had attacked Spanish villages and killed some priests and soldiers. Viceroy Enríquez de Guzmán sent troops to stop the rebellion. The Spanish forces eventually captured the rebel leader, Teporaca. After his capture, the rebellion ended.

Times of Hunger

In 1651 and 1652, there was a severe famine in Yucatán. Many people, especially the native people, suffered greatly from hunger. Even though they tried to hide their seeds, it did not help much.

Serving as Viceroy of Peru

Because he sent so much money to Spain, Luis Enríquez de Guzmán received a new important job. On February 22, 1653, he was named the viceroy of Peru. He left New Spain in August 1653. He officially started his role in Peru on February 24, 1655. He served there until December 31, 1661.

Founding the Nautical Academy

In 1657, he started a special school in Lima, Peru. It was called the Nautical Academy of the colony. This school taught people about sailing and navigation. It was located at the Hospital of Espiritu Santo.

Reopening the Royal Mint

Peru had a royal mint, which made coins, for a short time in the past. It had closed down. But there was a shortage of coins in the colony. So, in December 1658, Enríquez de Guzmán ordered the mint to reopen. He did this even without the king's direct permission. The mint made different types of coins. These coins are now very rare. They are known as Estrellas de Lima (Stars of Lima). This is because they had a large star design on them.

See also

In Spanish: Luis Enríquez de Guzmán para niños