Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Arce facts for kids

Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Arce, Francisco López de Zúñiga and Francisco Laso de la Vega:

Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Arce was a Spanish sailor and military leader. He served as the Governor of Chile from May 1625 to December 1629.

A Spanish Leader's Journey

Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Arce came from a powerful family in El Carpio, Spain. He chose a career in the military, specifically in the navy. He became a general in the Spanish Navy that operated in the Philippines.

Later, his uncle, Diego Fernández de Córdoba, Marquis of Guadalcázar, who was the Viceroy of Peru, gave him an important job. Luis became the general in charge of the main naval base at El Callao. This was a very important port in the Spanish Pacific at that time.

Becoming Governor of Chile

When the Governor of Chile, Pedro Osores de Ulloa, passed away, his brother-in-law, Francisco de Alava and Nureña, took over temporarily. The Viceroy of Peru, Luis's uncle, wanted a strong military leader for Chile. So, he chose his nephew, Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Arce, to be the new temporary governor. The Viceroy hoped Luis would show his military skills in the ongoing War of Arauco. Later, King Philip III of Spain officially confirmed Luis in this important role.

Challenges as Governor

When Luis arrived in Chile, he faced an immediate challenge. A Mapuche leader named Butapichún was often leading attacks into Spanish lands. These attacks happened north of the Bio-Bio River. To stop these raids, Governor Fernández de Córdoba divided the border area into two parts.

He put one part under the command of his main military officer, Alonso de Cordova y Figueroa. The other part was led by his chief sergeant, Juan Fernandez Rebolledo. Each commander received a strong, well-equipped force. These forces were mobile, meaning they could move quickly to chase Butapichún. Even with these plans, Butapichún's raids, called Malones, continued. The Spanish forces suffered some defeats, including a tough one at the Battle of Las Cangrejeras.

Luis also suggested to the king that the main court, the Real Audiencia of Chile, should move. He wanted it to move from Santiago to Concepcion. However, this idea was not approved by the king.