Pedro del Barrio Junco y Espriella facts for kids

Pedro del Barrio Junco y Espriella (born July 15, 1682) was an important leader in the Spanish colonies of North America. He served as the acting governor of Texas from 1748 to 1750. He also governed Nuevo León, Mexico, two separate times. His first term was from 1740 to 1746, and his second was from 1752 to 1757.

Early Life and Career

Pedro del Barrio Junco y Espriella was born on July 15, 1682. His birthplace was Llanes in Asturias, Spain.

He became a knight of the Order of Santiago. This was a special group of knights in Spain. He joined the Spanish Army when he was young. He rose through the ranks to become a colonel.

In 1716, he traveled to what is now Mexico. He went as a knight for the Viceroy, Baltasar de Zúñiga. A Viceroy was like a governor who ruled a colony in the name of the king. After this, he went back to Spain.

In 1724, he was chosen to be the Governor of Marquezado Valley in Mexico. So, he returned to the Americas.

Governor of Nuevo León (First Term)

In 1740, the Spanish Crown (the King of Spain) chose him for a big job. He became the Governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo León. He held this position for six years. His first term ended in 1746.

Acting Governor of Texas

Two years later, on June 3, 1748, Pedro del Barrio Junco y Espriella was given another important role. He was appointed the temporary governor of Texas.

Working with Missions

During his time in Texas, he talked with the friars (religious leaders) about where to build Mission San Xavier del Bac. They did not agree on the best location. Even though he had his own ideas, the mission was eventually built in Tucson, Arizona.

In June 1749, he worked with an explorer named Juan Galván. They planned an expedition in the San Javier (San Gabriel) valley. Barrio himself explored the valley to decide how the trip should go. On August 28, after his exploration, he chose Lieutenant Galván to lead a new group of soldiers to San Javier.

Dealing with Trade and Rules

He briefly jailed the first regidor (a type of city council member) in San Antonio. This imprisonment did not last long.

In 1750, a French soldier asked Governor Junco y Espriella for permission to trade with the Caddo people. The Caddo were a group of Native Americans. Junco y Espriella said no to the trade license.

However, the soldier still took many goods to the Caddo territory. He tried to tell the Caddo people that the Spanish were not their friends. He said the Spanish tried to stop the goods from reaching them.

Even though some trade was forbidden, Governor Espriella allowed trade between the French and people in Texas. He also allowed gambling, which was also against the rules in Spanish America. Because of these actions, he was removed from his position as Texas governor in 1750.

Governor of Nuevo León (Second Term)

Despite being removed from his Texas post, Espriella was chosen again to be governor of Nuevo León. This was his second time in the role. He served from 1752 to 1757. During this time, he led many campaigns against Amerindian (Native American) peoples.

Later Years

Later, he served as a provincial alcalde of the Santa Hermandad (a type of brotherhood or police force) in New Spain. New Spain was a large Spanish colony that included much of Mexico and parts of the United States.

On March 27, 1765, he became the captain of the Presidio (a military fort) of El Paso del Norte, Mexico. After this position, it seems he did not hold any other official jobs. The exact date and place of his death are not known.

Personal Life

Pedro del Barrio Junco y Espriella was married to Maria Antonia Rodriguez. They had two children together.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro del Barrio Junco y Expriella para niños