Luis de Horruytiner facts for kids

Luis Benedit y Horruytiner was an important Spanish leader. He served as the governor of Spanish Florida from 1633 to 1638. Later, he became the viceroy of Sardinia, which was also controlled by Spain. He was the uncle of Pedro Benedit Horruytiner, who also became governor of La Florida after him.

Who Was Luis de Horruytiner?

His Early Life

Luis de Horruytiner was born in Zaragoza, Spain. His parents were Mosén Gilbert Benedit de Huessa and María de Horruytiner. He also had a brother named Mosén Gilbert Benedit y Horruytiner. His family was well-known in Saint Augustine, which was the capital of La Florida. They owned several cattle ranches along the St. Johns River.

Becoming a Leader

In 1630, Horruytiner was chosen to be the alcaide (commander) of the Castillo del Morro. This was an important fort in Havana, Cuba. On July 29, 1633, Luis de Horruytiner started his job as the governor of the province of La Florida.

Governor of Florida

Helping Native Communities

In the fall of 1633, Governor Horruytiner and Friar Lorenzo Martinez decided to send two Franciscan friars to Florida. These friars knew the local Native American languages. Their goal was to teach the Apalachee people about Catholicism.

Many Native Americans became Christian. For example, in 1635, a Franciscan leader in Florida said that about 30,000 people had become Christian. These people lived in 44 different mission areas.

Finding New Routes

Governor Horruytiner also sent ships from St. Augustine to find a good port on the Gulf coast of Florida. This new port would make it easier to supply the missions. The land route was very long and hard. The expedition found a good port at the mouth of the St. Marks River.

The Native American village that later became the mission of San Luis was called Anhaica Apalache. This name was mentioned by the explorer Hernando de Soto. It is believed that Mission San Luis was named in honor of Governor Luis Horruytiner.

Making Peace

Governor Horruytiner sent a military officer named Antonio de Herrera López y Mesa to the western mission areas. His job was to help make peace between different Native American groups. These groups included the Chacato, the towns of Apalachicola Province, and the Amacano. López brought the leaders of these groups together. He helped them create a peace agreement.

After His Time in Florida

Luis de Horruytiner finished his time as governor of Florida on November 26, 1638. Damián de Vega Castro y Pardo took over as the new governor. After leaving Florida, Horruytiner was appointed Viceroy of Sardinia. At that time, Sardinia was also a Spanish territory.

See also

In Spanish: Luis de Horruytiner para niños