The Troubled History Of Ponce De Leon

While Juan Ponce de León's brutal rule was being challenged by the native people of Puerto Rico, he also faced opposition among his fellow Europeans. Specifically, Ponce de León got into a heated political battle with Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus. Christopher Columbus' contract with the Spanish Crown had stipulated that when he died, all his titles and privileges would pass to his heir. When Columbus did die in 1506, Spanish courts upheld Diego Columbus' right to inherit his father's titles, per historian John L. Kessell.

So, in 1509, Diego Columbus replaced Nicolás de Ovando as governor of Hispaniola. With his newfound power, Columbus attempted to institute new leadership for the island of Puerto Rico as well — leadership that would be loyal to him. As Rudolph Van Middeldyk wrote, Diego Columbus "deposed Ponce and appointed Juan Ceron as governor in his place." When King Ferdinand heard about this, he was outraged and demanded that Juan Ponce de León be reinstated as governor. The King's decree was upheld, and Juan Ceron was arrested and returned to Spain.

The feud between Diego Columbus and Juan Ponce de León continued for several years. But, even though Ponce de León had the King on his side, he would ultimately lose. By late 1511, according to Robert Fuson, Columbus was able to consolidate enough power to have Juan Ceron reinstated as governor of Puerto Rico. This time, Ponce de León would be removed for good.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunB%2BknJrb3Bfpbyvr8Rmm55lnJq8r7%2BMraman5mYerTAzquwaA%3D%3D