Antonio de Ulloa, the first Spanish governor of Louisiana, arrives in New Orleans.

Born on January 12, 1716, Antonio de Ulloa y de la Torre-Giralt would become one of Spain's most distinguished polymaths, excelling as a naval officer, a pioneering scientist, and a shrewd administrator. His journey into the annals of scientific discovery began remarkably early. At just nineteen years old, Ulloa embarked on an extraordinary adventure, joining the French Geodesic Mission to what is now modern-day Ecuador. This ambitious expedition, which sought to measure a degree of the meridian near the equator, was no brief undertaking; it consumed more than eight arduous years of his early life. During this extensive period, Ulloa was not merely a participant but a keen observer, meticulously documenting a vast array of astronomical, natural, and social phenomena across the South American landscape. His comprehensive reports from this mission quickly propelled him to international acclaim, establishing his reputation as a leading savant of his era. Among his most significant contributions were the groundbreaking, first published observations of a peculiar new metal – platinum – which would later be officially recognized as a distinct chemical element, a discovery that truly set him apart. Such was the esteem he garnered that Ulloa was honored with fellowships from prestigious scientific bodies: he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1746 and was later elected as a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1751.

Ulloa's talents extended beyond the scientific realm into the demanding world of administration and governance, serving the Spanish Crown with unwavering dedication. From 1758 to 1764, he held the crucial post of governor of Huancavelica in Perú, simultaneously overseeing the vital quicksilver mines in the region. Mercury, or quicksilver, was indispensable for silver extraction, making this a position of immense economic and strategic importance. His administrative acumen then led him to a challenging new frontier. In the aftermath of France's defeat in the Seven Years' War, Spain acquired Louisiana, and in 1766, Antonio de Ulloa was appointed its first Spanish governor. This role, however, proved fraught with difficulty. His efforts to implement Spanish rule in New Orleans met fierce resistance from the entrenched French Creole colonists, who cherished their established ways. This simmering discontent erupted into the Louisiana Rebellion of 1768, an uprising that ultimately saw Ulloa expelled from the city. Despite this political setback, his distinguished service to Spain continued in the naval sector. He rose steadily through the ranks of the Spanish Navy, eventually achieving the distinguished position of vice-admiral and assuming the critical role of its chief of operations, demonstrating his enduring value to the Spanish Crown until his passing on July 3, 1795.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antonio de Ulloa

Who was Antonio de Ulloa?
Antonio de Ulloa y de la Torre-Giralt (1716–1795) was a prominent Spanish naval officer, scientist, and administrator. He is celebrated for his early scientific explorations in South America and his significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and natural history.
What was Antonio de Ulloa's most famous scientific contribution?
Ulloa is widely recognized for making the first published observations of the metal platinum. His reports provided crucial early documentation of this element, paving the way for its later identification as a distinct chemical substance.
What were some of his key administrative roles?
He served as the governor of Huancavelica in Perú from 1758 to 1764, where he also superintended the important quicksilver mines. Later, in 1766, he became the first Spanish governor of Louisiana, a challenging post following the territory's acquisition from France.
Why was Antonio de Ulloa's time as governor of Louisiana notable?
His governorship in Louisiana was marked by significant resistance from French Creole colonists in New Orleans. His attempts to impose Spanish rule led to the Louisiana Rebellion of 1768, an uprising that resulted in his expulsion from the city.
What academic and professional honors did Antonio de Ulloa receive?
His international reputation as a savant led to his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1746. He also became a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1751 and achieved the rank of vice-admiral and chief of operations in the Spanish Navy.