Pedro de Rivera y Villalón

Pedro de Rivera y Villalón was a brigadier general in the Spanish army, who was sent to New Mexico in 1724 to study the presidios near Louisiana.

Biography Pedro de Rivera y Villalón was born between the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. In his youth, he joined the Spanish army, in which, over time, he managed to ascend to the rank of general.

Rivera was in New Mexico for a time. This was so until in 1724 he was sent him to north New Spain by the Viceroy of New Spain. His journey began November 21, 1724, and ended June 21, 1728. He studied the presidios that New Spain had to the borders with Louisiana, to check if these were able to protect the region. Rivera traveled a very extensive space, formed by more than 8,000 miles. The military man was interested in the life of the population, so he left reflected in his diary many particularities of the Texan population, such as the local customs, the description of Native Americans and products that were cultivated. He also indicated the areas where people lived.

In 1727 the engineer Francisco Alvarez Barreyto, member of his expedition, drew up a map of the borders with Louisiana. Mediavilla accepted Rivera's suggestions and these were carried out,

On March 5, 1731 (and following the Rivera's advice), three missions were renamed in San Antonio: