Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
The central character in the conquest of La Florida, known for his devotion, navigational skills, and constant allegiance to King Philip II of Spain. After defeating French forces in Florida, he took possession of the land in 1565 in fervent hopes of erecting a commercial enterprise.
The French defeat
Of the one thousand Frenchmen in the dispute, about three hundred were killed. Others fled or were seized, while "the most cooperative" were taken prisoner. Among the detainees were the French navigator, four carpenters and caulkers, twelve seafarers and a majority of musicians.
A demolished dream
He commenced his colonization proposal by setting up an exceeding of ten fortresses between Tequesta (Miami) and Tennessee. When he died (1574), only two remained: St Augustine and Santa Elena.
