María de Toledo facts for kids

María de Toledo (born around 1490, died May 11, 1549) was a powerful Spanish noblewoman. She became the Vicereine and regent of the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo, which is now the Dominican Republic. She was one of the most important people in America in the 1500s. María also stood up for the rights of the native people living in Hispaniola.

Her Life and Role

María de Toledo came from a very important Spanish family. Her grandfather was the first Duke of Alba, and she was a cousin of King Ferdinand II of Aragon, also known as "The Catholic."

She married Diego Columbus, who was the son of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus. Diego was the viceroy of the Spanish colony of Hispaniola. They lived in a grand house called the Alcazar de Colon in Santo Domingo.

When Diego had to leave the colony, María took charge. From 1514 to 1520, she helped manage the colony. Later, in 1523, when Diego was called away again, she was officially named virreina. This meant she was the highest-ranking leader in the colony.

Her Children

María and Diego had several children:

• María Colón de Toledo
• Luis Colón, 1st Duke of Veragua
• Cristóbal Colón de Toledo
• Juana Colón de Toledo
• Isabel Colón de Toledo

See also

In Spanish: María de Toledo para niños