Luis de Guzmán y Figueroa

Luis de Guzmán y Figueroa
14th Spanish Governor of New Mexico
In office
1647–1649
Preceded by Fernando de Argüello
Succeeded by Hernando de Ugarte y la Concha

Luis de Guzmán y Figueroa was a Spanish soldier who served as governor of New Mexico from 1647 to 1649.

Biography

Luis Guzman y Figueroa was appointed governor of New Mexico on June 18, 1646, by the Viceroy of New Spain, Garcia Sarmiento de Sotomayor, Count of Salvatierra, who at that time occupied that office.[1] Figueroa arrived in Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico in 1647, beginning his term, probably in the spring of that year. Apparently, Figueroa, already in the government of New Mexico, accepted a bribe from the former governor of the province, Arguello Carvajal, related to the report and accounts of the residence, which was required for all administrative officials when they left his charge. Figueroa was denounced for such crimes to the Spanish crown by Fray Andrés Suárez. During the governorship of Figueroa conflicts developed between the civil and religious authorities, which the King of Spain attempted to solve in writing, without success.

The accusations against Figueroa and his important charges caused him to leave office as governor in 1649, before his term ended.[2] There are some rumors, according to which Figueroa died in November, 1650, in a duel in Mexico.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Juan Domínguez de Mendoza: Soldier and Frontiersman of the Spanish Southwest .... Edited by Marc Simmons and José Esquibel.
  2. ↑ New Mexico Office of the State Historian: Figueroa, Luis de Guzman y. Written by Grace Meredith. Retrieved in May 25, 2012, to 13:10pm.
  3. ↑ History of New Mexico: Land of the Brave, Land of the Slaves. Written by Stew Cosentino.