Juan de Oñate

Juan de Oñate was a Spanish explorer and colonial governor known for leading the first large-scale Spanish expedition into the American Southwest in the late 16th century. In 1598, he established the first Spanish settlement in what is now New Mexico, claiming the territory for Spain. Oñate's expedition is notable for both its achievements and its brutality, including conflicts with Indigenous peoples and harsh punishments. His legacy is controversial, as he represents both the exploration and colonization of the Americas and the violent impacts of these actions on native populations.