Preceded by Fernando de Argüello | ||
Succeeded by Hernando de Ugarte y la Concha Profession Soldier and administrator (governor of New Mexico) | ||
Luis de Guzmán y Figueroa was a Spanish soldier who served as governor of New Mexico from 1647 to 1649.
Career
Luis Guzman y Figueroa was appointed governor of New Mexico on June 18, 1646, by the Viceroy of New Spain, Garcia Sarmiento de Sotomayor, Count of Salvatierra, who at that time occupied that office.
Figueroa arrived in Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico in 1647, beginning his term, probably in the spring of that year.
During his legislation, Figueroa apparently accepted a bribe from the former governor of the province, Fernando de Arguello, related to the report and accounts of the residence, which was required for all administrative officials. Figueroa was denounced for such crimes to the Spanish Crown by Fray Andrés Suárez. During the governorship of Figueroa, several conflicts developed between the civil and religious authorities, which the King of Spain attempted to solve in writing, without success.
The accusations against Figueroa and his important charges caused him to leave office as governor in 1649, before his term ended. Rumors suggest that Figueroa died in November, 1650, in a duel in Mexico.