Pedro Blanco (slave trader) facts for kids

Pedro Blanco (1795–1854) was a Spanish man known for his role as a slave trader. He operated from a place called Gallinas on the coast of Sierra Leone. This was between the years 1822 and 1838. Before he became involved in the slave trade, Blanco managed a sugar mill in Cuba.

Early Life and Business

Pedro Blanco was born in Spain in 1795. He later moved to Cuba, where he worked in the sugar industry. He ran a sugar mill, which is a factory that processes sugar cane. This experience likely helped him learn about business and trade.

Starting the Slave Trade

Blanco decided to join the Atlantic slave trade, which was a very profitable business at the time. He sailed to Africa on one of his ships, named the Conquistador. In 1822, he began trading in enslaved African people. By 1839, his network had grown very large. It supplied enslaved people to plantations in Cuba, the United States, and Brazil.

Expanding His Network

Blanco made his business bigger by working with local leaders. He formed a partnership with King Siaka of Gallinas, who was a Vai ruler. This helped him set up agents in many coastal areas. These places included Cape Mount, Shebar, Digby, and Nuevo Sestos.

He also partnered with a man named Lino Carballo. Their main office was in Havana, Cuba. They also had branches in Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and the Republic of Texas. Blanco's business was so well-known and trusted that his credit was accepted in major cities. These included New York City, London, and other important financial centers.

Blanco's Base in Lomboko

In a place called Lomboko, Blanco built a large base for his operations. He had storehouses on one island. His main office was on another island. He also had houses for his African wives on a third island. Enslaved people who were waiting to be shipped were kept on the islands of Taro and Kamasun.

End of His Operations

In 1838, Blanco left Africa and moved to Cuba. He then went to Barcelona, Spain. Even after leaving Africa, he continued to be involved in the slave trade. He left Gallinas just before many of the La Amistad Africans arrived at his holding areas. However, he left behind employees who continued his business. It is believed that some of these employees handled the Amistad Africans.

Pedro Blanco played a significant role in the slave trade in that part of Africa. His business eventually collapsed in 1848. This was due to pressure from the United Kingdom, which was working to stop the slave trade. Pedro Blanco died in Genoa, Italy, in 1854.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro Blanco Fernández de Trava para niños