Founding of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza on February 2, 1536

On February 2, 1536, the Spanish explorer and conquistador Pedro de Mendoza founded the city of Buenos Aires, which would become one of the most significant urban centers in South America. This event marked an important moment in the Spanish colonization of the Americas and the expansion of European influence in the region.

Background

• Pedro de Mendoza: Born around 1487 in Guadix, Spain, Mendoza was a nobleman and military officer. He was appointed by King Charles I of Spain as the first adelantado (governor) of the Río de la Plata region, tasked with establishing Spanish settlements and expanding the empire’s reach in South America.

• Spanish Colonization: The early 16th century was a period of rapid Spanish expansion in the New World. Following the successes of Hernán Cortés in Mexico and Francisco Pizarro in Peru, Spain sought to extend its influence further south.

The Expedition

• Departure: Mendoza’s expedition set sail from Spain in August 1535 with a fleet of approximately 11 ships and over 1,000 men. The journey was fraught with difficulties, including storms and disease, which significantly reduced the number of settlers by the time they reached the Río de la Plata.

• Arrival and Settlement: Upon arrival in early 1536, Mendoza chose a site on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata to establish a settlement. He named it “Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Aire” (Our Lady Saint Mary of the Good Air), in honor of the patron saint of sailors.

Challenges and Struggles

• Hostile Environment: The settlers faced numerous challenges, including a lack of food, harsh weather conditions, and hostile relations with the indigenous peoples, primarily the Querandí tribe.

• Conflict and Starvation: Tensions with the indigenous population led to violent confrontations. The settlers’ inability to secure adequate food supplies resulted in severe famine, forcing them to rely on desperate measures for survival.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Abandonment: Due to the dire conditions, the original settlement was abandoned in 1541. Survivors relocated to Asunción, in present-day Paraguay, which became a more sustainable settlement.

• Re-establishment: Buenos Aires was re-founded in 1580 by Juan de Garay, another Spanish conquistador, who established a more permanent and successful settlement.

• Historical Significance: Despite its initial failure, the founding of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza laid the groundwork for future Spanish colonization efforts in the region. The city eventually grew into a major cultural and economic hub, playing a crucial role in the history of Argentina and Latin America.

The founding of Buenos Aires is a testament to the challenges and complexities of early European colonization in the Americas, highlighting both the ambitions and the adversities faced by explorers like Pedro de Mendoza.