Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Vasco Núñez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer, governor, and adventurer who lived from about 1475 until around 1519. He is most famous for being the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. In 1513, he crossed the Isthmus of Panama and reached the ocean, which was a major discovery at the time.

Balboa traveled to the New World in 1500 and spent time exploring different areas. He eventually settled on the island of Hispaniola. In 1510, he founded a town called Santa María la Antigua del Darién in what is now Colombia. This was the first permanent European settlement on the mainland of the Americas.

Early life

Vasco Núñez de Balboa was born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. He came from a noble family, with his father being a nobleman named Nuño Arias de Balboa. Not much is known about Vasco's early years, but he was the third of four brothers. As a young boy, he worked as a helper and assistant for Don Pedro de Portocarrero, the lord of Moguer.

Early career

In 1500, Vasco Núñez de Balboa decided to travel to the Americas after hearing about Christopher Columbus's journeys. He joined an expedition led by Rodrigo de Bastidas along the Caribbean coasts and through Colombia.

Balboa later moved to Hispaniola where he tried farming but struggled with debt. In 1508, he joined another group traveling to Tierra Firme, an area near the Isthmus of Panama. He hid on the ship to avoid his debts in Santo Domingo. Eventually, he became popular with the crew for his knowledge of the area and his friendly nature.

The founding of Santa María

Balboa thought it would be better to move the settlement of San Sebastián to Darién, west of the Gulf of Urabá, because the land there was richer and the local people were easier to live with. Fernández de Enciso considered this idea, and the soldiers went to Darién. There, they met 500 warriors led by a local leader named Cémaco, who were ready to fight. The Spanish soldiers were worried about the many fighters, so they made a promise to a special statue in Seville that if they won, they would name their new town after her. After a tough battle, the Spanish won.

Cémaco and his warriors left for the jungle. Balboa and his soldiers are thought to have stopped following Spanish rules and started taking things from local homes, collecting many golden ornaments. In September 1510, Balboa started the first permanent town on the American mainland and named it Santa María la Antigua del Darién.

Mayor of Santa María

After Vasco Núñez de Balboa and his army won against the local people and built a town called Santa María la Antigua del Darién, Balboa became respected by his friends. They were unhappy with the leader Fernández de Enciso because they thought he was too strict about taking gold from the local people.

Balboa helped the unhappy settlers by removing Fernández de Enciso from his position. He explained that Fernández de Enciso was now in charge of an area called Veragua, far away from Santa María, so he should not be their leader anymore. After Fernández de Enciso was removed, the town created a new, more open government and chose its first town leaders. Two leaders were picked: Martín Samudio and Vasco Núñez de Balboa.

Soon after, a small group of ships led by Rodrigo Enrique de Colmenares arrived. They were looking for another leader named Nicuesa, who was having problems nearby. Colmenares told the townspeople they should follow Nicuesa’s rules because his area included their land. He asked two town representatives, Diego de Albites and Diego del Corral, to travel with his ships and discuss this with Nicuesa.

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Governor of Veragua

After being rescued, Governor Nicuesa learned about Vasco Núñez de Balboa's actions and decided he would punish Balboa once he controlled the city of Santa María. However, some people in Santa María warned Balboa that Nicuesa could harm the city. When Nicuesa arrived, the people of the city refused to let him come ashore. He and his men were forced to leave on a small, poorly equipped boat on March 1, 1511, and they were never seen again. As a result, Balboa became the governor of Veragua.

Conquistador

See also: Spanish conquest of the Chibchan Nations

As governor, Vasco Núñez de Balboa had full control in Santa María and Veragua. One of his first actions was to put Fernández de Enciso on trial for trying to take the governor's power. Fernández de Enciso was sent back to Spain after a short time in prison. Balboa continued to explore new lands, making friends with some tribes and defeating others. He searched for gold and expanded his territory, dealing with challenges from his own men and earning respect from the local people.

Balboa learned about a new land from a local leader's son, who told him of a place far to the south with great wealth. This led Balboa to discover the Pacific Ocean in 1513, a major achievement in his explorations. He wrote to the King of Spain asking for more helpers and supplies to continue his journeys.

European discovery of the Pacific Ocean

Vasco Núñez de Balboa heard exciting news about a faraway land filled with gold. In early 1513, he went back to Santa María to gather more helpers, but he couldn't get the support he needed. So, he decided to continue his journey with the small group he had.

Balboa began his adventure across the Isthmus of Panama on September 1, 1513, with 190 men, some native guides, and dogs. They sailed along the coast and met new people who sometimes joined them and sometimes opposed them. After facing challenges and battles, Balboa's group grew tired and hurt. On September 25, Balboa climbed a mountain and saw the vast waters of an unknown ocean—the Pacific—for the first time in European history. His companions celebrated this amazing discovery together.

Possession and conquest of the South Sea

After discovering the Pacific Ocean, Vasco Núñez de Balboa and his team moved down the mountains to the sea. They met and defeated a local leader named Chiapes, who then joined them. One of Balboa's men, Alonso Martín, reached the coast first and became the first European to sail on the Pacific Ocean. Balboa followed with 26 men, walked into the water, and claimed the new sea and its lands for Spain.

Balboa traveled over 110 kilometers and named the bay San Miguel because they arrived on a special religious day. He called the sea Mar del Sur because they reached it by traveling south. Balboa continued his journeys, exploring lands and meeting other local leaders. He found places rich in gold and pearls, naming one island Isla Rica and a group of islands Archipiélago de las Perlas. Later, Balboa returned to his base with many treasures, including gold and pearls, and sent news of his discovery to Spain.

Disputes with Pedro Arias

Vasco Núñez de Balboa faced new leaders when Pedro Arias de Ávila, also called Pedrarias Dávila, became the governor of Castilla de Oro. Pedrarias arrived from Spain with many men and ships, which helped meet Balboa's needs for more supplies.

Balboa met Pedrarias in 1514 and accepted his new role, though some settlers were unhappy. Pedrarias had Balboa arrested but later freed him. Balboa then tried to explore new areas but faced difficulties. Eventually, the Spanish king honored Balboa's efforts, giving him important titles and ensuring he was treated with respect by Pedrarias.

Downfall and death

Vasco Núñez de Balboa had become friends with Pedrarias after marrying into his family, but their friendship did not last long. Balboa wanted to explore more of the Pacific Ocean, but Pedrarias delayed him. Finally, Pedrarias allowed Balboa to lead an expedition. Balboa built ships and sailed along the coast, but when he returned, Pedrarias had him arrested.

Balboa was accused of trying to take control away from Pedrarias. He was put on trial and sentenced to death. Balboa and some of his friends were executed. After his death, others continued to explore the Pacific Ocean, and it was later named by Ferdinand Magellan because of its calm waters.
Isabel de Bobadilla • Acla • Balsas River • Ancon Port • Francisco Pizarro • Ferdinand Magellan • Pacific Ocean

Legacy

Although Balboa faced serious troubles with Spanish leaders and had difficult moments with local communities, his name remains well-known. He was the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean from America. Many places honor him today. In Panama, you can find parks, streets, and even a currency named after him called the Balboa. His face appears on most coins, and important locations like the main port in Panama City and a district are named Balboa too.

Balboa's name is also remembered in other places. In the United States, cities like San Francisco, California and San Diego have streets, schools, and parks named after him. In Madrid, there is even a subway station with his name. Panama also has a special award named after him for important people. There is a crater on the Moon called Balboa as well.