Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza founds Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pedro de Mendoza (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpeðɾo ðe menˈdoθa]), born around 1499 and passing away on June 23, 1537, was a prominent Spanish conquistador, seasoned soldier, and intrepid explorer whose pivotal role marked a significant chapter in the early European colonization of South America. He is historically recognized as the very first Adelantado of New Andalusia, a vast and ambitious territorial grant that encompassed much of what is now the Río de la Plata region.

As a key figure during the age of exploration, Mendoza commanded one of the largest expeditions sent from Spain to the Americas, aiming to establish a permanent Spanish presence in the southern reaches of the continent and to secure a sea route to the legendary riches of Peru. His appointment as Adelantado came with immense power and responsibility, granting him the right to conquer, settle, and govern a massive, uncharted territory stretching from the Amazon basin southwards towards Patagonia. This title effectively made him the direct representative of the Spanish Crown in these newly claimed lands, with authority over military, judicial, and administrative matters, as well as the right to a significant share of any wealth discovered.

The Expedition to the Río de la Plata and the Founding of Buenos Aires

Departing Spain in 1535 with a formidable fleet of 14 ships and carrying an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 men, Pedro de Mendoza's expedition was an ambitious undertaking. His primary objective was to establish a fortified settlement at the mouth of the Río de la Plata, a strategically vital waterway, and to seek out a land route to the Inca Empire's silver mines in the Andes. In February 1536, Mendoza founded the settlement of Santa María del Buen Ayre, which means "Saint Mary of the Fair Winds," on the banks of the Río de la Plata. This initial settlement is considered the precursor to modern-day Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

However, the early years of the colony were plagued by unimaginable hardships. The Spanish settlers, unaccustomed to the local environment and lacking agricultural expertise, quickly faced severe famine. Relations with the indigenous Querandí people, initially cordial, rapidly deteriorated into conflict as the Europeans' demands for food and resources increased. The beleaguered colonists endured starvation, disease, and relentless attacks from native tribes, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Reports from this period even describe instances of cannibalism among the desperate survivors.

Challenges, Retreat, and Legacy

Afflicted by a severe illness, likely syphilis, and demoralized by the relentless suffering of his expedition, Pedro de Mendoza was unable to maintain control over the struggling colony. In 1537, he appointed Juan de Ayolas as his successor and decided to return to Spain, hoping to recover his health and seek further aid from the Crown. Tragically, he died at sea on June 23, 1537, during his journey back to Europe, without ever reaching his homeland. Despite the ultimate failure of his initial settlement, which was abandoned in 1541 due to the dire conditions, Mendoza's expedition undeniably laid the groundwork for future Spanish colonization efforts in the region. His founding of Santa María del Buen Ayre, though temporary, marked the first significant attempt to establish a permanent European presence in what would become Argentina, paving the way for its eventual refoundation by Juan de Garay in 1580.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedro de Mendoza

Who was Pedro de Mendoza?
Pedro de Mendoza was a Spanish conquistador, soldier, and explorer, best known for leading the first major Spanish expedition to the Río de la Plata region and founding the initial settlement of Buenos Aires in 1536.
What was an "Adelantado"?
An Adelantado was a title granted by the Spanish Crown, empowering an individual with significant authority to conquer, settle, and govern a specific territory in the Americas. This included military, judicial, and administrative powers, often in exchange for financing the expeditions themselves.
What was "New Andalusia"?
New Andalusia was the vast territorial grant bestowed upon Pedro de Mendoza, encompassing a significant portion of South America's southeastern quadrant, including the Río de la Plata basin. It was an ambitious but largely unexplored region at the time.
When was the first settlement of Buenos Aires founded by Mendoza?
Pedro de Mendoza founded the initial settlement, named Santa María del Buen Ayre, in February 1536. This early colony faced extreme hardships and was eventually abandoned in 1541 before Buenos Aires was refounded decades later.
What challenges did Mendoza's expedition face?
Mendoza's expedition and the early colony of Santa María del Buen Ayre faced severe challenges including rampant famine, disease, a lack of agricultural success, and intense conflict with indigenous populations like the Querandí, leading to high mortality rates among the settlers.