Pedro de Castro, 1st Duke of la Conquista facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Duke of la Conquista
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Portrait by José de Ibarra
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| 39th Viceroy of New Spain | |
| In office August 17, 1740 – August 22, 1741 |
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| Monarch | Philip V |
| Preceded by | Juan Antonio de Vizarrón |
| Succeeded by | The Count of Fuenclara |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 8, 1678 San Julián de Cela, Spain |
| Died | August 22, 1741 (aged 62) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Profession | Field Marshal |
Pedro de Castro y Figueroa was an important Spanish military leader. He was born in Spain on December 8, 1678. He later became the 39th Viceroy of New Spain. This was a very powerful job. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony for the king of Spain. New Spain was a large Spanish colony. It included much of what is now Mexico and parts of the United States. Pedro de Castro y Figueroa served as viceroy from August 17, 1740, until his death on August 22, 1741, in Mexico City.
Contents
Early Life and Career in Spain
Pedro de Castro y Figueroa had a successful career in the Spanish military. He was a skilled soldier and leader. Because of his military achievements, King Philip V of Spain gave him a special title. He became the Marquess of Gracia Real in 1729.
Later, in 1735, he received another important title. He was made the Duke of la Conquista. He held high ranks in the army. These included field marshal and captain general. He was also a trusted advisor to the king. He was a knight in two important military groups. These were the Order of Santiago and the Order of Saint Januarius.
Becoming Viceroy of New Spain
In 1740, King Philip V chose Pedro de Castro y Figueroa to be the new viceroy. He was to replace the previous viceroy in New Spain. His journey to the colony was quite eventful. A Dutch merchant ship was taking him there. But an English warship captured it near Puerto Rico.
Luckily, Pedro de Castro y Figueroa managed to escape. He got into a small boat with other passengers. They avoided being captured by the English. However, he lost all his belongings. This included his official papers and instructions from the king. He arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, without any documents.
From Puerto Rico, he traveled to Veracruz, a port city in New Spain. He arrived there on June 30, 1740. He then wrote to the archbishop in Mexico City. The archbishop recognized him as the new viceroy. Pedro de Castro y Figueroa officially entered Mexico City on August 17, 1740. The king later increased his salary. This was to make up for all his losses during the sea attack.
Challenges as Viceroy
When Pedro de Castro y Figueroa became viceroy, New Spain faced many threats. The colony was not well protected. The French were a danger from the north. The English were attacking along the Caribbean coasts.
He quickly worked to strengthen the colony's defenses. He sent 300 soldiers and supplies to St. Augustine, Florida. This area had recently been attacked by the English.
Protecting Against English Attacks
The English navy, led by Admiral Edward Vernon, was causing problems. They had captured Portobelo, Panama, in 1739. They also tried to take Cartagena, Colombia, but failed. Pedro de Castro y Figueroa worried that Veracruz would be their next target.
To protect Veracruz, he ordered new defenses. He had new batteries built at San Juan de Ulúa. These were like small forts with cannons. He also gathered more supplies and created a local militia. A militia is a group of citizens trained as soldiers. He also formed a new battalion of marines called La Corona.
He went to Veracruz himself to oversee these important defense plans. However, while there, he became very ill. He caught a serious sickness called hemorrhagic dysentery. He was taken back to Mexico City. Sadly, he died on August 22, 1741.
After His Death
After Pedro de Castro y Figueroa died, the Audiencia Real took over. This was a high court that governed the colony temporarily. Its president, Pedro Malo de Villavicencio, acted as viceroy. They governed until a new viceroy arrived in 1742. Pedro de Castro y Figueroa was buried in a convent in Mexico City.
Images for kids
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Pedro de Castro ordering the construction of Fort San Juan de Ulúa in Veracruz
See also
- José de Escandón
- Lorenzo Boturini Bernaducci
