Nicolás María Vidal facts for kids

Nicolás María Vidal y Madrigal (born December 10, 1739 – died May 25, 1806) was an important government official. He worked for Spain in Spanish Louisiana and Spanish Florida. He served in these roles from 1799 to 1801.

Early Life and Education

Nicolás Vidal was born in 1739 in Cartagena de Indias, which is now part of Colombia. His parents were Pedro Luis Vidal and Josefina Marcelina Madrigal y Valdés.

He went to the Colegio de San Bartolomé in Bogotá, Colombia. There, he studied law and earned his degrees in 1763.

A Career in Law

For 20 years, Vidal worked as a lawyer in Colombia. He represented both the Spanish government and private citizens. He even served as a temporary governor in areas like Popayán and Quito. He also taught law at the Colegio Seminario de San Bartolomé.

Life in Louisiana

In 1790, Vidal moved to Louisiana. He arrived in New Orleans on March 17, 1791. His job was to be a legal advisor for the government.

Working with The Cabildo

Vidal often had disagreements with The Cabildo, which was the city council of New Orleans. They argued about important issues like public health and safety rules. They also had small disagreements about official procedures.

Becoming Governor

In 1799, the governor of Louisiana, Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, died. Nicolás Vidal was then named the civil governor of Spanish Louisiana. He shared this role with Colonel Francisco Bouligny, who was the military governor. They served under the new Acting Governor General, Sebastián Calvo de la Puerta.

After Colonel Bouligny passed away, Vidal continued to serve as lieutenant-governor. He worked under Governor General Calvo de la Puerta. He stayed in this role until the last Spanish governor, Juan Manuel de Salcedo, arrived. Governor Salcedo came to manage the transfer of Louisiana back to France.

Moving to Florida

After Louisiana was transferred to the United States, Vidal moved to Pensacola. This city was the capital of Spanish West Florida. He continued to work as a legal advisor there until he died in 1806.

Personal Life

Nicolás Vidal bought several properties in New Orleans starting in 1800. These properties were located along Bayou St. John. He planned to build a large farm there. However, he sold the property in 1804 after the United States bought Louisiana.

Vidal had four children. Two older daughters were born in Colombia. In Louisiana, he had a relationship with Eufrosina Hisnard. They had two daughters, Carolina and Maria Josefa, and a son who died as a baby. Even though Vidal was not listed on their baptism records, his daughters were accepted by his friends and community.

After Vidal died, his daughter Maria Josefa and her mother sought help from U.S. authorities. They needed assistance settling Vidal's estate in the new Florida Territory.