Tristan De Luna y Arellano

Background

Tristan de Luna y Arellano was born in 1519 in Borobia, Spain, the son of Don Carlos de Luna y Arellano.

Career

Luna came to New Spain in 1530 or 1531 and served as captain, maestre de campo, and lieutenant-general under Francisco Coronado on his New Mexico expedition, accompanying that leader on part of his Quivira journey. In 1548 he suppressed for viceroy Mendoza a dangerous Indian outbreak in Oaxaca.

Luna hypothecated the properties to finance his Florida expedition. In December 1557 Philip II, fearful that the French would advance from their holdings in Newfoundland into his northern frontier, revoked previous orders forbidding the conquest of Florida and commanded its occupation. The viceroy, Luis de Velasco, chose his friend Luna as governor and captain-general of Florida and the Punta de Santa Elena (Port Royal). The task was to select a base on the Gulf, advance to an intermediate province, Coosa in Alabama, and thence press on and fortify the Punta to protect the north coast, assure the Bahama Channel freedom from pirates, and serve as a mission center from which to proselyte among the Indians.

The expedition, costing 300, 000 pesos of the King's money and all Luna's fortune, comprised 500 soldiers and 1, 000 colonists and servants. It sailed from San Juan de Ulúa on June 11, 1559, and, after a stormy voyage, reached Ochuse or Pensacola Bay, previously selected by Guido de Las Bazares, on August 14. On August 19 a terrific wind destroyed nearly all the ships and provisions, sealing the doom of the enterprise. Compelled to live off the country, Luna moved to Nanipacana on the Alabama River, sending a party under Mateo del Sauz to Coosa, fabulously opulent according to Soto's accounts.

When the governor tried to lead his starving followers to Coosa his captains voted to return to the Gulf coast. At Ochuse Luna again tried, upon the suggestion received from Sauz, to reach Coosa; but his officers challenged his authority and judgment, averring that he, long a sick man, had lost his wits. Reports from them and the Dominican friars with the party led Velasco to relieve Luna by sending as governor Angel de Villafañe. An attempt under Luna's nephew Martin Doz and Diego Biedma to reach Santa Elena by sea failed because of storms; a second effort, under Villafañe himself, actually reached the region desired, but storm again wrecked the ships, driving the leader to Havana.

After being relieved on April 8, 1561, Luna left Ochuse for Spain to petition the King to decide the suit his officers had brought for the purpose of defeating his commands, and to petition for reimbursement and restoration of his governorship. He was unsuccessful in this; nor did he inherit from his brother Pedro the title of mariscal of Castile; Pedro briefly outlived him, and the inheritance went to Carlos; Tristan died in poverty in Mexico city.

Achievements

• Luna y Arellano was known as the leader of the expedition from Vera Cruz to La Florida for the purpose of building a Gulf colonial settlement, establishing an overland route from there to Santa Elena, and then establishing a Spanish outpost on the Atlantic Ocean.

Connections

In 1545 Luna married Isabel de Rojas, widow successively of Juan Vel zquez and Francisco Maldonado, "first conquerors. " His children, Carlos de Arellano and Juana, married into the Mendoza-Velasco family; their descendants, being members of the noble families of the counts of Santiago Calimaya and of the Valle de Orizaba, served in many important colonial offices.

Father:

Carlos de Luna y Arellano

Spouse:

Isabel de Rojas

Brother:

Pedro de Luna y Arellano

Daughter:

Juana de Luna y Arellano

Son:

Carlos de Luna y Arellano

References

• The Luna papers: Documents Relating to the Expedition of Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano for the Conquest of La Florida in 1559-1561 (2 Volumes)
• Tristan De Luna Conquistador of the Old South (Perspectives in American History)
• The Spanish Settlements: Within the Present Limits of the United States, Florida, 1562-1574 (Classic Reprint)
• DeLuna: Founder of North America's First Colony, forgotten in the pages of history : a true story, based upon the letters, journals and accounts of ... expedition of 1559-61 at Ochuse, La Florida
• Ensayo Cronologico Para La Historia General de La Florida: Contiene Los Descubrimientos y Principales Sucesos Acaecidos En Este Gran Reino a Los Espan (Spanish Edition)