In the grand narrative of early American history, there’s a lesser-known tale tucked away, one that merits more attention. While St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, is celebrated as the first “European” city in the United States, another city, nearly forgotten, has its roots in Spanish expeditions as well. The second city, Nuestra Señora de Jacán, was established in 1570, about a thousand kilometers north of Florida, situated between Maryland and Virginia. This little piece of history showcases the rich tapestry of cultural interactions and colonial ambitions in early America.
While Jamestown and Plymouth often steal the spotlight, being founded by the English in 1605 and 1620 respectively, the story of Ajacán unfolds as a darker chapter. It all began with an expedition led by twenty men under the command of the determined Pedro Coronas, dispatched by Menéndez de Avilés as part of a larger mission to explore and evangelize. This venture was deeply entangled with the life of Don Luis, an Algonquin Indian captured at a young age and educated in New Spain. His return to North America in 1562 had a significant impact, setting the stage for the establishment of this fateful village.
Establishment of Ajacán
The date August 24, 1566, marked a turning point when the expedition laid claim to their territory on the shores of Santa María Bay. In September 1570, Don Luis returned to the site, now inhabited by other settlers, including six Jesuit priests, to found the village of Santa María de Jacá, or Ajacán. But tragedy was brewing beneath the surface. After showing disloyalty to the Jesuits, Don Luis abandoned them and returned to his roots.
In February 1571, the situation took a grim turn. The Jesuits, having found Don Luis, were ambushed and killed, allegedly with Don Luis as the provocateur. His subsequent actions culminated in a massacre, wiping out all villagers in less than a year. Only one child, Alonso de Olmos, survived the tragic fate that befell this settlement.
A Legacy of Conflict and Reflection
The story doesn’t conclude with the annihilation of Ajacán. Soon after the carnage, another expedition arrived; however, mistrust tainted their perception of the Indigenous people wearing Jesuit habits. This hesitation led the newcomers to flee the scene. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, undeterred, initiated yet another expedition that sought retribution against eight Algonquin men, but Don Luis managed to evade capture yet again. According to some accounts, he met his end in 1644 at Jamestown, reportedly shot by an English settler at the age of 100.
Interestingly, the events surrounding Ajacán were later chronicled by Bartolomé Martín in 1610 in “Martirio de los padres y hermanos de la Compañía de Jesús que martirizaron los indios del Jacán.” It’s a sobering reflection on the clashes of culture, faith, and ambition which defined this period, casting long shadows that linger into the present.
The First Mass in La Florida
Adding depth to this narrative is the crucial role of Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, who documented the landing of Menéndez on September 8, 1565, at the village of Seloy. As the fleet’s chaplain, López not only oversaw the first mass celebrated in what would eventually become America but also crafted a poignant moment where faith met the New World. With a bronze statue standing eleven feet tall, his legacy reminds us of how intertwined the narratives of exploration and religion were during this time.
As many celebrate the rich heritage of the early settlers, let’s not forget Ajacán—a symbol of ambition, conflict, and the complex relationships that shaped our shared history. In recognizing these forgotten chapters, we illuminate the path of those who walked the land before us, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of cultures that define America today.