Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
Spanish explorer and governor (1519–1574) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpeðɾo meˈnendeθ ðe aβiˈles]; Asturian: Pedro (Menéndez) d'Avilés; 15 February 1519 – 17 September 1574) was a Spanish admiral, explorer and conquistador from Avilés, in Asturias, Spain. He is notable for planning the first regular trans-oceanic convoys, which became known as the Spanish treasure fleet, and for founding St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. This was the first successful European settlement in La Florida and the most significant city in the region for nearly three centuries.
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés | |
---|---|
1st Governor of Florida | |
In office 1565–1574 | |
Succeeded by | Diego de Velasco |
Personal details | |
Born | 15 February 1519 Avilés, Asturias, Spain |
Died | 17 September 1574(1574-09-17) (aged 55) Santander, Cantabria, Spain |
Occupation | Admiral; 16th-century colonial governor of La Florida and Cuba, in New Spain |
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited, European-established settlement in the continental United States. Menéndez de Avilés was the first governor of La Florida (1565–74).[1] By his contract, or asiento, with Philip II, Menéndez was appointed adelantado and was responsible for implementing royal policies to build fortifications for the defense of conquered territories in La Florida and to establish Castilian governmental institutions in desirable areas.[2]