Ibarra, Exploring further, has established towns at …

Years: 1562 - 1562

Ibarra, Exploring further, has established towns at San Martín and Avino, where the silver mines make him a mine owner in his own right.

He heads another expedition in 1562 to push farther into northwest Mexico.

In particular, he is searching for the fabled golden city of Copala (also called Cibola).

He does not find the mythical treasure, but explores and conquers what is now the Mexican state of Durango and is appointed governor of the newly formed province of Nueva Vizcaya (New Biscay), named in honor of the Spanish province of the same name.

Several important factors contribute to the region being so named, one being that the valley in which the "Cerro de Mercado" is located has a resemblance to the "Valley of Guardiana" that exists in the province of Biscay.

The second reason is the fact that iron mines which are found in Durango also exist in Biscay.

Additionally, many of the soldiers who have accompanied Ibarra and formalized the conquest of the region are Basques.

Related Events

Filter results