Fernando Pérez de Almazán
Fernando Pérez de Almazán | |
|---|---|
| 11ºGovernor of the Spanish Colony of Texas | |
| In office 1722–1727 | |
| Preceded by | José de Azlor y Virto de Vera |
| Succeeded by | Melchor de Mediavilla y Azcona |
| Personal details | |
| Born | unknown |
| Died | unknown |
| Profession | Political |
Fernando Pérez de Almazán (? – ?) was an Spanish emissary and Governor of Texas (1722–1727)
Biography
Fernando Perez de Almazan was born in the early eighteenth century, but their place of birth is unknown. In the Aguayo expedition he became emissary of the French commander in the -then- city of Texas Natchitoches (currently belonging to Louisiana), when France had the intention to invade the area.[1]
In 1721, Fernando Perez de Almazan and Captain Gabriel Costales came to Natchitoches to meet with the commander of the French fort of the site and explain his intention to occupy Los Adaes (which had been formerly Spanish, then usurped by the French and, later, abandoned by the latters). So they could take back the area and create a best fortress than the previous to protect the site of new invasions, outside the French boundaries. After a discussion between the French commander and Spanish major representatives, they decided they could restore and fortify the border wherever they saw fit. So, they decided establish the presidio near Natchitoches.[2]
Later, in 1722, he was appointed governor of Texas, after the Marquis of Aguayo, José de Azlor y Virto de Vera, proposed different governments to Coahuila and Texas in 1720. Pérez de Almazán established the Texas capital at Los Adaes.[1]
Possibly as early as 1722 it was built the Spanish Governor's Palace in San Antonio.[3]
In 1724, East Texas suffered significant crop losses, which prompted to Almazán to seek supplies in San Antonio. Because the river into the city was difficult to navigate, he put rafts in the river crossings. After collecting supplies in 1725, the Gov. sick so had to stay in San Antonio for a while and appoint to Captain Melchor de Mediavilla y Azcona as lieutenant governor of Los Adaes. However, between 1727 and 1729, Pérez de Almazán health worsened and he was forced to resign his governor office, making to Mediavilla y Azcona the new governor of Texas.
In 1729, he was in Mexico City.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "Handbook of Texas Online:Pérez de Almazán, Fernando". Handbook of Texas Online. November 26, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
- ^ El Virreinato, III: Expansion y Defensa, segunda parte - (in Spanish: The Viceroyalty, III: Expansion and Defense, Part II –), by Jorge Ignacio Rubio Mañé. Google Book.
- ^ Spanish Governor's Palace at the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation