VASCO NUNEZ DE BALBOA
Born in 1475, Vasco Nunez de Balboa was a Spanish conquistador and explorer but not just any conquistador and explorer, he was the first European to lay eyes on the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean. That day in 1513 was a huge accomplishment, one made after a difficult trek through the jungles of today’s Panama. Balboa staked claim of the Pacific Ocean, along with the shores for his country of Spain. With this, Spanish exploration and conquest along South America’s western coast began. Even so, Magellen, a Portuguese explorer, was the one that gave the ocean its name, Pacifica, which translates to “peaceful”.
Balboa’s father was not a wealthy or powerful man so Vasco was required to work in the household of a rich nobleman in the city of Moguer as a young boy. When Columbus arrived in America in 1492, Balboa was just 17 years of age. At that time, there were many ships all heading to the New World. On their way, they would stop by the port city of Moguer to take on supplies and sailors. As the voyages came back through Moguer, the sailors would tell magnificent stories about other lands discovered across the sea. They also bragged about all the opportunities for fame and wealth. As you can imagine, this peaked Balboa’s attention.
By 1501 and at the age of 26, Balboa decided to join a Spanish expedition heading to South America. This particular voyage explored the northern coast of today’s Columbia. However, the vessel was short on food, workers, and other supplies, making it impossible to establish a settlement. With this, Balboa had no choice but to return to Hispaniola, becoming a pig farmer.
Then in 1509, something incredible happened, a Spanish expedition made its way from Hispaniola to South America, colonizing the mainland. Although Balboa had tried desperately to get on that particular expedition, he was too far in debt, thus being stopped from leaving. However, the following year, Balboa had a different plan, he would stow away on another ship taking supplies to this new colony, which is exactly what he did. While he made the trip, once there, the settlers of the colony found Spaniards had left because of the danger of Indians and not enough food.
At that point, Balboa recommended that he and the crew head to the western side of the gulf where the Indians were friendly and peaceful. The Spaniards obliged and the City of Darien was established. With such valuable insight, Balboa was named the “unofficial” governor of the city, leading further expeditions into Panama while at the same time, conquering several Indians but making various types of agreements with others.
In the year 1511, the Indians had told Balboa about another sea located on the other side of Panama, along with great stories of gold and wealth to the south, which was a reference to the Inca Indians of Peru. However, since he was not yet the official governor of Darien, he knew that leaving could put this position at risk. Therefore, to speed up the process of receiving the King’s approval for becoming governor, he knew he would have to do something very, impressive. He decided in 1513 that he would lead an expedition of 90 Spaniards, as well as numerous Indians into the “unknown sea” earlier told about.
Traveling for three weeks, Balboa was finally able to see the ocean from a nearby mountain range, sighting the Pacific Ocean for the very first time. As the group reached the waters, they also found pearls and gold. With the great find Balboa sent some of the treasures to the King Ferdinand of Spain, hoping this would be enough to get the needed governorship approval. Unfortunately, before word of Balboa’s successful trip and riches could reach the King, another man was named governor of Darien, Pedro Arias Davila.
However, when the King finally received the great news, all he could do was appoint Balboa to serve under Davila. As you can imagine, Balboa was extremely disappointed and to make things worse, he discovered the Davila was a jealous man. In fact, this new governor did not care for Balboa’s growing popularity and influence so in 1518, Balboa was accused of treason, although not true. Davila had Balboa arrested and after a hurried trial, he was sentenced to death. In 1519, Davila got his wish when Balboa and four of his closest friends were beheaded.