Background
Francisco Hernández de Córdoba was born in 1475.
Francisco Hernández de Córdoba was born in 1475.
A lieutenant of Pedro Arias de Ávila, governor of Castilla del Oro, Fernández was sent in 1524 to explore and settle the Pacific coast north of the Isthmus. Landing on the Gulf of Nicoya, he moved inland and discovered the Lake of Nicaragua, where he established two settlements - Granada, on the southwestern shore of the lake, and León, between the lake and the coast. At León, Fernández became involved in a three-party contest for control of Honduras and Nicaragua, with Gil González Dávila, who had come from Santo Domingo, and Cristobal de Olid, one of Cortés' men who had repudiated the conquistador's authority. Gil González was easily driven back. Cortés, seeking an ally against Olid, offered Fernández encouragement and support. Fernández accordingly declared himself independent governor of Nicaragua. However, a party of his men led by Hernando de Soto escaped and returned to report to Pedrarias in Panama. When Pedrarias led a seaborne force against Fernández, Cortés went back on his promise of support. Fernández was forced to surrender to Pedrarias and was beheaded in the spring of 1526. As a result, possession of Honduras was confirmed to New Spain, and that of Nicaragua to Panama.