Luis de Rojas y Borja facts for kids

Luis de Rojas y Borja was an important Spanish leader. He served as the governor of Spanish Florida from October 28, 1624, to June 23, 1630. During his time as governor, he worked to protect Spanish lands and keep peace among different Native American groups.

Early Life and Background

Luis de Rojas y Borja was born in Valencia, a city in Spain. His parents were Pedro de Rojas y Ladrón and Francisca de Borja y Morello. In 1605, he became a knight of the Order of Santiago. This was a special group of knights in Spain.

Protecting Spanish Territory

As governor, Luis de Rojas y Borja had to protect the lands claimed by Spain. During his time, there were rumors of "blond men on horseback" exploring inland La Florida. These were likely English settlers from what is now the Province of Carolina.

Searching for Explorers

Governor Rojas y Borja sent out a group to find these explorers. This group was called an "entrada." It included 10 Spanish soldiers and 60 Guale Native Americans. This was not the first time such a group was sent. His predecessor, Juan de Salinas, had sent two similar groups in 1623. It is not known if they ever found the English exploration party.

Keeping Peace Among Native Americans

In the 1620s, there was a war between two Native American groups: the unchristianized Pohoy and Amacano peoples. The Pohoy lived near Tampa Bay. The Amacano probably lived southeast of Apalachee.

Governor Rojas's Efforts

This fighting may have caused the Spanish to leave the Cofa mission. This mission was located at the mouth of the Suwannee River. It was left empty sometime between 1616 and 1636.

In 1628 or early 1629, Governor Rojas tried to make peace. He ordered soldiers to bring the subchief of the Pohoy to him. The subchief was second in command to the main chief, called a cacique. Rojas wanted to give him gifts and talk about peace between the two fighting groups.

Founding a Mission

Around 1627, Rojas y Borja likely started the San Diego de Helaca mission. This mission was on the east bank of the St. Johns River. It was west of St. Augustine. Its purpose was to help canoe travel to the western parts of the province. Between 1624 and 1627, the area was damaged. Later, it was repopulated by Native Americans from Utiaca, in the Acuera province.

Exploring the Interior

In 1627, Rojas y Borja sent two more expeditions. These were led by Pedro de Torres. Their goal was to explore the Apalachee region and the northern interior of La Florida.

Torres's Expeditions

The first expedition had twenty soldiers and sixty allied Native Americans. They explored the Apalache region. In the second expedition, Torres traveled far north into La Florida. He reached Cofitachqui, a place first visited by the Hernando de Soto expedition in 1539.

End of Governorship

In 1630, Luis de Rojas y Borja was replaced as governor of Florida. Andrés Rodríguez de Villegas took over his role on June 23, 1630.

See also

In Spanish: Luis de Rojas y Borja para niños