Pedro Menéndez Márquez facts for kids

Pedro Menéndez Márquez (born around 1537 – died 1600) was an important Spanish military leader. He was also an explorer and governor of Spanish Florida. He was the nephew of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who was a famous adelantado (a special military and administrative leader) for King Philip II. Many of Márquez's relatives, like Diego de Velasco and Juan Menéndez Márquez, also served as governors of Florida.

Early Adventures of Pedro Menéndez Márquez

Pedro Menéndez Márquez was the son of Marquis Alonso and Maria Alonso Arango. He had four brothers and sisters.

Márquez started working with his uncle, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, around 1548. Sometimes, he was a ship's master under his uncle's command. When his uncle planned to start a colony in Florida, Márquez became the second-in-command of the ships sailing from Asturias, Spain.

After the Spanish founded St. Augustine and removed the French from Fort Caroline, Márquez was sent back to Spain. He carried the official report of their success to King Philip II. Even though he wasn't the first to share the news, the king gave him 300 gold ducats as a reward. Márquez then loaded supplies for the new colony and sailed back to Florida.

Governor of Florida and Key Events

Around 1571, Pedro Menéndez Márquez briefly served as a lieutenant governor of Cuba. His uncle was the governor of Cuba at the time but was often away. In 1573, Márquez explored the Atlantic coast, going as far north as Chesapeake Bay. He also brought the first nine Franciscan friars (religious brothers) to Florida in 1575.

Becoming Governor of La Florida

In 1577, King Philip II chose Pedro Menéndez Márquez to be the governor of La Florida. In October 1577, Márquez took over as governor of Santa Elena. This settlement was located on what is now Parris Island. He brought soldiers and quickly rebuilt the fort there. He knew the local Native American tribes might attack, so he brought a ready-to-assemble fort from St. Augustine. His 53 men put it together in just six days.

Dealing with Challenges and Threats

As governor, Menéndez Márquez successfully stopped a rebellion by the Guale Native Americans. His predecessor had caused this trouble. He also made the Spanish outposts stronger. He had to deal with new attempts by the French to settle north of Santa Elena. English pirates were also raiding in the Caribbean. Plus, the English started a colony at Roanoke.

Map showing Sir Francis Drake's 1586 attack on St. Augustine

In 1586, Sir Francis Drake attacked and burned St. Augustine. But Márquez had already ordered everyone to leave the city. He got news that Drake was in the Caribbean and coming their way. Because of Drake's attack and the failure to find the English colony at Roanoke, Márquez decided to leave Santa Elena. He focused on making St. Augustine stronger instead. He ordered his soldiers to build a new wooden fort to protect the city. He also brought the settlers from the failed Santa Elena colony to St. Augustine, the capital of La Florida.

Discoveries and Later Plans

In 1580, Márquez discovered coquina on Anastasia Island. Coquina is a type of rock made from ancient shells. It was later used to build many structures in St. Augustine. In 1587, he went back to Santa Elena. He ordered his soldiers to destroy what was left of the Spanish buildings and the second Fort San Marcos.

By 1589, Márquez knew the English colony at Roanoke was gone. He planned to set up a Spanish outpost in Chesapeake Bay. This would stop future English settlements in that area. However, he was instead asked to organize the treasure fleets in Havana. He did not return to Florida after that.

Pedro Menéndez Márquez's Family Life

Pedro Menéndez Márquez married María de Miranda. This was arranged according to his uncle Pedro Menéndez de Avilés's will.

Márquez also arranged for his nephew, Juan Menéndez Márquez, to marry his niece, María Menéndez de Posada. Juan later became the royal treasurer for Spanish Florida. Their family remained important in Florida's government and economy for over a hundred years.