Trinidad Province facts for kids

The Province of Trinidad was a part of the Spanish Empire that existed from 1525 to 1802. It was an important area for Spain in the Caribbean.

From 1591 to 1731, this province was joined with the Guayana Province. Together, they were known as the Trinidad-Guayana Province. However, in 1797, the British took control of Trinidad. Spain officially lost the province in 1802 with the Treaty of Amiens.

History of the Province

In 1520, a Spanish explorer named Rodrigo de Bastidas was given permission to govern Trinidad. But another important person, Diego Columbus, disagreed. So, Bastidas gave up his right to govern.

Later, in 1530, the King of Spain gave control of Trinidad to Antonio Sedeño. He became the first governor. Sedeño stayed until 1535. He left because of arguments over who had the right to control the area. These arguments were with the Province of Cumaná.

The first main city, or capital, of the province was San José de Oruña. It was started in 1592. Sadly, an English pirate named Walter Raleigh later destroyed it.

In 1596, Trinidad became part of the Guayana Province. This happened under the rule of Antonio de Berrío. He had been governing the island since 1591. The province was overseen by a high court called the Real Audiencia of Santo Domingo. This court handled appeals, like a final decision-making body.

In 1739, control of the province moved. It was then managed by the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This was a large Spanish territory in South America. The Audiencia of Bogotá then became its main court.

Later, in 1777, the province went back under the Santo Domingo Audiencia. It was also placed under the Captaincy General of Venezuela. This was a new, larger administrative area. When the Audiencia of Caracas was created in 1786, all government and court duties moved to Caracas.

Finally, in 1797, a British fleet arrived. It was led by Henry Harvey. The British took over the island. Trinidad then became a British colony. Spain officially agreed to this loss in 1802 with the Treaty of Amiens.

See also

• History of Trinidad and Tobago
• Colonial Venezuela
  • Governorate of New Andalusia (1501–13)
  • New Andalusia Province (1537–1864)
  • Captaincy General of Venezuela (1777–1823)

In Spanish: Provincia de Trinidad para niños