Founding of Vera Cruz

Before FoundingFernandez de Cordoba sailed to the Yucatan

from Fernandina (Cuba). They called the area that they landed in Rica Villa de la Vera Cruz.

Traveled down the coast and traded with the Campoche tribe, they got what they asked for (gold) , and were welcomed graciously.

Cortés, p. 4-6

ContinuedWhen they got back, they told Velazquez

about the abundant gold Velazquez wants to set up trade with the

natives but not settle there and send the money back to the king and queen

They got into battle with the Mochocobon tribe and 26 men were killed, they then retreated to Fernandina.

http://hrklan.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/576px-cortes_in_Veracruz.jpg

Cortes at Vera Cruz

The FoundingBernal Diaz wants to settle Vera

Cruz because of the dangers of trading with the natives. Example: bad weather for ships, hostile tribes, etc.

Diaz and his men stay at Vera Cruz because it would be unwise for them to go back and have Velazquez find out about their plan.

ContinuedThey nominate Cortes to captain and

chief justice.Cortes told Velazquez that he wasn’t

going to settle Vera Cruz. Diaz and his men were not happy to hear this. Cortes was lying to Velazquez.

Cortes then went down to Vera Cruz to agree to be captain, the other men claimed positions for themselves

Díaz p. 81- 83

ContinuedCortes then wrote letters to the king

and queen saying that they should revoke Velazquez’s power because he is of no use to them, and he should be investigated

Cortes says “Diego Velazquez, rather to order him to submit to residencia and deprive him of the governorship of the island of Fernandina.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/The_arrival_of_Cort%C3%A9s_in_Veracruz_and_ the_reception_by_Montezuma%27s_Ambassodars.jpg

Vera Cruz