Pedro Porter Casanate facts for kids

Pedro Porter y Casanate (born April 30, 1611 – died February 27, 1662) was an important Spanish sailor, soldier, and explorer. He explored the region of California and later became the Royal Governor of Chile from 1656 to 1662. An admiral is a very high-ranking officer in a navy, like a general for the army.

Early Life and Naval Career

Pedro Porter was born in Zaragoza, Spain. He was the second son of Juan Porter and Esperanza Casanate. When he was just 16 years old, in 1627, he joined the Spanish Navy.

He quickly gained experience in naval battles. He fought in a big battle at La Rochelle in France. The next year, he joined a fleet that protected valuable "silver galleons." These were large ships carrying treasure from the Americas, and they needed protection from pirate attacks.

In 1629, Pedro traveled to the Americas for the first time. He helped fight against the British who had taken over the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He took part in many naval trips and conflicts in the "Indies" (the Americas). Because of his bravery and skill, he was promoted to a junior officer rank called alférez in 1631. By 1634, he became a sea captain. In the same year, he wrote his first book about sailing, called Correction to mistakes of the Spanish navigation.

Later, he became an admiral of the South Seas fleet. He was also a knight of the Order of Santiago, which was a special honor.

Exploring California

In 1635, Pedro Porter became very interested in exploring California. At that time, no one was sure if California was an island or a peninsula (land surrounded by water on three sides). He asked the top leader in New Spain, the marquis de Cerralvo, for permission to explore. However, his ships were taken away due to some problems and suspicions.

He tried again in 1636. This time, he got permission and money from another Viceroy, the marquis de Cadereyta.

In 1643, King Philip IV himself asked Pedro to explore California. Pedro left from Cadiz, Spain, and sailed to Cartagena de Indias (in modern-day Colombia). From there, he went to Veracruz, Mexico. He then traveled across the continent to the west coast of Mexico. He stayed there until 1649, exploring and helping to settle the area around the Gulf of California.

Pedro Porter was known as an expert in naval matters. He wrote several important books about sailing and maps, including Diccionario náutico, Hidrografía general, and Arte de navegar.

Governor of Chile

In 1656, Pedro Porter was chosen to be the governor of the Captaincy General of Chile. This was a very important job, like being the leader of a large territory. As governor, he was involved in the Arauco War. This was a long conflict against the Mapuche people, who were the native inhabitants of the region.

During his time as governor, he ordered the building of a new fort. It was called San Miguel Arcángel de Colcura. This fort was built near the modern city of Lota, where an older fort used to be.

Pedro Porter served as governor until his death in 1662. He passed away in Concepción due to a health condition called edema.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro Porter Casanate para niños