Pedro Alonso Niño facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Alonso Niño
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Monument to Pedro Alonso Niño at the Convent of San Francisco in Moguer, Spain
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| Born | c.1455 |
| Died | c.1505 |
| Known for | Explorer |
Pedro Alonso Niño (born around 1455 – died around 1505) was an Afro-Spanish explorer. He was a skilled sailor and pilot. Pedro Alonso Niño helped guide Christopher Columbus on his first trip to the Americas in 1492. He also joined Columbus on his third journey in 1498, when they explored Trinidad.
Life as an Explorer
Pedro Alonso Niño was born in Moguer, Spain. People sometimes called him El Negro, which was a nickname. His father, Juan Niño, was a Spanish sailor. His mother was an African woman. It is said that Juan Niño was a sailor who had been to Elmina, a settlement in Ghana. Pedro Alonso and his brothers, Francisco and Juan, all became famous sailors.
In his younger years, Pedro Alonso Niño explored the west coast of Africa. He learned a lot about sailing. He was the pilot of the Santa María ship during Christopher Columbus's first trip in 1492. He helped Columbus navigate the Atlantic Ocean. He also went with Columbus on his third voyage. During that trip, they discovered Trinidad and the mouths of the Orinoco River.
Searching for Riches
After returning to Spain, Niño wanted to explore new lands on his own. He hoped to find gold and pearls. The Council of Castile, a powerful group in Spain, gave him permission to explore. He had to avoid places Columbus had already found. He also promised to give 20% of any treasures he found to the Spanish King. This was a common rule at the time.
In May 1499, Pedro Alonso Niño set sail from San Lucas. He was with two brothers, Luis and Cristóbal de la Guerra. Luis was a wealthy merchant, and Cristóbal was a pilot like Pedro. After 23 days, they arrived at Maracapana. They visited islands like Isla Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua. There, they traded small items for many pearls. They then sailed along the coast to Punta Araya, where they found salt mines.
Return to Spain
After only two months, they returned to Baiona, Spain. Their ships were full of valuable goods. However, Pedro Alonso Niño faced accusations about the wealth they brought back. He was arrested, and his property was taken. Pedro Alonso Niño died around 1505 before his case was fully resolved.
Legacy and Recognition
Today, there is a monument honoring Pedro Alonso Niño. It is located in the Convent of San Francisco in Moguer, Spain. In 1930, he was also recognized at the American Negro Exposition in Chicago. He was featured in one of the 33 dioramas there.
See also
- Niño brothers
- In Spanish: Pedro Alonso Niño para niños
