Juan Domínguez de Mendoza
| Juan Domínguez de Mendoza | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1631 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Known for | Texas explorations |
Juan Domínguez de Mendoza (born 1631) was a Spanish soldier who played an important role in suppressing the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and who made two major expeditions from New Mexico into Texas.
Juan Domínguez de Mendoza was born in 1631. He was a member of the wealthiest family in New Mexico. He had, at least, two siblings (between them, the governor of New Mexico Tomé Dominguez de Mendoza). At the age of twelve he went to New Mexico, and he was to accompany several expeditions into what is now Texas.
He was a member of the Diego de Guadalajara expedition of 1654 from Santa Fe to what is now San Angelo, Texas, where the three main tributaries of the Concho River converge. Domínguez rose in rank to lieutenant general and was appointed Maestro de Campo in New Mexico - second in command to the Governor. He was an able administrator, and by the time of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 was one of the most experienced and capable of the New Mexico militia leaders. When the Pueblo Revolt broke out, Domínguez advanced north from Isleta Pueblo to Cochiti, to the southwest of Santa Fe. However, he was then forced to retreat to El Paso del Norte (now Cuidad Juarez). Later he was criticized for not being sufficiently aggressive in his action against the Pueblos.
In 1681 a group of Jumano Indians came to El Paso asking for the Spanish to establish missions in their country. The Jumano chief Juan Sabeata had been baptized and understood Spanish ways. He was seeking protection for his people against the Apaches, whom he hoped the Spanish would engage in war. To gain the attention of the Spanish he said that thirty-six nations of Indians needed missions and claimed that a multi-colored cross had appeared above La Junta de los Ríos, at the junction of the Rio Conchos and Rio Grande near modern-day Presidio, Texas. (See La Junta Indians) He also talked of wooden houses floating on the sea, which the Spanish took to refer to French ships. Three friars left at once for La Junta, where they started missionary work.
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