Pedro Alonso Niño


Pedro Alonso Niño was a Spanish explorer. He piloted the Santa María during Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas in 1492, and accompanied him on his third voyage in 1498 to Trinidad.

Biography

Niño was born in Moguer, Spain, of black African descent. He explored the west coast of Africa in his early years. Niño piloted the Santa María during Christopher Columbus's expedition of 1492, and accompanied him during his third voyage that saw the discovery of Trinidad and the mouths of the Orinoco River. After returning to Spain, Niño made preparations to explore the Indies independently, looking for gold and pearls. Empowered by the Council of Castile to seek out new countries, avoiding those already found by Columbus, he committed to give 20% of his profits for the Spanish Crown.
In the company of brothers Luis and Cristóbal de la Guerra, respectively a rich merchant and a pilot, he left San Lucas in May 1499, and, after twenty-three days, they arrived at Maracapana. Visiting the islands of Isla Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua, they exchanged objects of little value for a large quantity of pearls before sailing up the coast to Punta Araya, where they discovered salt mines.
After just two months they were back in Bayona, Spain, loaded with wealth. However, they were accused of cheating King Ferdinand II out of his portion of the spoils. Arrested, and with his property confiscated, Niño died before the conclusion of his trial.
There is a monument to Pedro Alonso Niño in the Convent of San Francisco in Moguer.