Juan Hurtado

Background

Hurtado was born in Villafranca de las Marismas, near Seville (Andalusia, Spain). He was born to a humble family.

Career

He was Captain General, Governor and Mayor of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico. He was baptized in the parish of Santa María la Blanca on December 22, 1668. When he was a teenager he enlisted in the Spanish Royal Army as a cape, in Seville.

Eventually, he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean heading to Mexican territory.

He participated in many battles. In Michoacán (in the present Mexico), he began his military career under Mayor Diego de Vargas.

Hurtado later moved to New Mexico. After Vargas" death he become senior Captain General and Governor of New Mexico.

In addition, between 1704 and 1705 and 1716 and 1717 Hurtado was twice Mayor of the capital Santa Fe.

Under his governance, The Faraones Apaches stole the horses and mules of the Spanish. In 1614, Hurtado was assigned to punish this tribe. He led an unsuccessful expedition to search for them.

He occupied the second tier of colonial officers in New Mexico.

Achievements

• He attained the General and Sergeant grades.