Juan de Zaldívar (Spanish soldier)


Juan de Zaldívar was a Spanish soldier and explorer. He was an early colonizer of New Mexico. He was killed by Native Americans.

Early life

Juan de Zaldívar was born circa 1570 in Northern Mexico. His father, Vicente de Zaldívar, Sr., served in the Mixtón War of 1540-1542 alongside his uncle, Cristóbal de Oñate. His mother was Magdalena de Mendoza y Salazar. He had a brother, Vicente de Zaldívar. Juan de Oñate was their uncle and second cousin.

Career

In 1595, Zaldívar was asked by his uncle, Juan de Oñate, to serve as his Maestre de Campo, or field marshall, in Oñate's colonization of New Mexico for the Spanish Crown. They departed from Santa Bárbara, Chihuahua in January 1598, arriving in Ciudad Juárez by April of the same year. They went up the Rio Grande, arriving in San Juan de los Caballeros on July 11, 1598.

Death

Zaldívar was killed by Acoma in Acoma Pueblo on December 4, 1598. His brother, Vicente de Zaldívar, won the Acoma Massacre, partly to avenge his death. It is claimed, foot amputation and enslavement of the culprits.