Francisco de Aguirre: The Conquistador of the Southern Cone
Francisco de Aguirre (1507–1581) was a prominent Spanish conquistador whose military career spanned the conquest of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. A soldier of fortune and a colonial administrator, Aguirre played a pivotal role in establishing Spanish dominance in the southern reaches of South America, often navigating the volatile intersection of military conquest and political rivalry.
Key Facts
- Born: c. 1507 in Talavera de la Reina, Spain.
- Major Roles: Royal Governor of Tucumán (1553–1555) and Lieutenant Governor of northern Chile.
- Key Achievements: Refounded the city of La Serena and founded Santiago del Estero del Nuevo Maestrazgo.
- Military Experience: Fought in the Battle of Pavia and the 1527 assault on Rome.
- Death: 1581 in La Serena, Chile.
Early Life and European Military Service
The son of Hernando de la Rúa and Constanza de Meneses, Francisco de Aguirre began his career in the army of Carlos I. He gained early combat experience during the Battle of Pavia and the 1527 assault on Rome. While serving as an Alférez (an ensign or standard-bearer) in Rome in 1517, he was tasked with protecting a convent. As a reward for his service, the Pope granted him permission to marry his cousin, María de Torres y Meneses, and the King appointed him Corregidor (a royal administrative governor) of his hometown, Talavera de la Reina.
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Expansion into South America
In 1536, Aguirre traveled to Peru accompanied by a large retinue of servants and slaves. He quickly immersed himself in the regional conflicts, participating in the relief expedition that rescued Gonzalo Pizarro during the siege of Cochabamba. Between 1538 and 1539, he served under Diego de Rojas during the conquest of the province of Charcas, located in modern-day Bolivia.
The Conquest of Chile
Upon learning that Pedro de Valdivia was leading an expedition to conquer Chile in 1540, Aguirre mobilized 15 horsemen and 10 foot soldiers to Tarapacá. After waiting two months to join Valdivia, Aguirre became a trusted confidant of the leader. He was appointed as one of the Alcaldes (magistrates) of the first settlement of Santiago and suffered severe injuries during the city's defense on September 11, 1541, when indigenous forces led by Michimalonco destroyed the settlement.
Administrative Leadership and the Founding of Cities
On June 20, 1549, Aguirre was named lieutenant governor of the region between the Choapa River and the Atacama Desert. His primary mission was the reconstruction of La Serena, which had been razed by northern indigenous groups. Known for his severity in warfare and punishment, Aguirre refounded the city on August 29, 1549, and constructed a fort to ensure its defense. His campaigns effectively secured northern Chile from further major threats, though the region remained sparsely populated.
In 1552, Aguirre extended his influence across the Andes into Tucumán. After a dispute with Juan Núñez de Prado over territorial claims, Aguirre established the city of Santiago del Estero del Nuevo Maestrazgo on July 25, 1553, though some historical accounts suggest the foundation occurred as early as 1550.
Political Conflict and the Dispute with Villagra
The death of Pedro de Valdivia at the Battle of Tucapel triggered a power struggle. Valdivia's will named Aguirre as his successor in the absence of Jerónimo de Alderete. However, by the time Aguirre returned from Tucumán, Francisco de Villagra had already been recognized as governor.
Aguirre attempted to claim the governorship by right of the will, but the Cabildo (town council) of Santiago refused to acknowledge him and disarmed his troops. The dispute was eventually referred to the Audiencia (high court) in Lima. The court ruled that the council must submit to Aguirre's command for six months, after which the viceroy, Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, would appoint a new governor. If no appointment was made, Villagra would take command. Aguirre accepted this compromise reluctantly due to his inferior military strength.
The conflict ended abruptly in 1557 when García Hurtado de Mendoza arrived as the new governor and ordered the arrest of both Aguirre and Villagra.
Final Years as Governor of Tucumán
Following his imprisonment in Peru, Aguirre was reinstated by the Viceroy of Peru, Diego López de Zúñiga, in 1562. He was appointed Governor of Tucumán to suppress a general uprising that threatened Spanish control. By 1564, Aguirre successfully restored Spanish domination in the region.
His second tenure was marked by instability, including a rebellion led by Jerónimo de Holguín that resulted in Aguirre's capture. He was also indicted by the ecclesiastical authorities of Charcas for making heretical statements. Due to this ongoing turmoil, he was eventually replaced by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera. Aguirre spent his final years in modest retirement in La Serena, where he remained a respected figure until his death in 1581.
| Period/Year | Role/Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1527 | Alférez during the assault on Rome | Rome, Italy |
| 1536 | Arrival in South America | Peru |
| 1541 | Alcalde of Santiago; defense of the city | Chile |
| 1549 | Lieutenant Governor; refounded La Serena | Chile |
| 1553 | Founded Santiago del Estero | Tucumán (Argentina) |
| 1562–1564 | Governor of Tucumán | Tucumán (Argentina) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Francisco de Aguirre?
Francisco de Aguirre was a Spanish conquistador and colonial administrator who played a key role in the Spanish conquest of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina during the 16th century.
Which cities did Francisco de Aguirre found or refound?
He refounded the city of La Serena in Chile in 1549 and founded the city of Santiago del Estero del Nuevo Maestrazgo in Tucumán in 1553.
Why did Aguirre have a conflict with Francisco de Villagra?
The conflict arose over the governorship of Chile following the death of Pedro de Valdivia. Aguirre claimed the position based on Valdivia's will, while Villagra had already been acknowledged as governor in Aguirre's absence.
What was Aguirre's role in Tucumán?
He served as the Royal Governor of Tucumán, first establishing a presence there in the 1550s and later returning in 1562 to suppress a general uprising and restore Spanish control.
Where did Francisco de Aguirre die?
Francisco de Aguirre died in 1581 in La Serena, Chile, where he had settled after his political career ended.