Miguel López de Legazpi

The governor who founded Manila and began more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.

Life

Official in Mexico

Legazpi came from the Basque region of Spain and served for many years in Mexico. In 1564 he was ordered to lead a fleet across the Pacific from Mexico; he reached Cebu the following year and established Spain's first foothold in the Philippines.

Crossed the Pacific

His fleet found the return route from the Philippines to Mexico; for the next 250 years the Manila galleons sailed between Manila and Acapulco, carrying Chinese silk and porcelain to the Americas and American silver to Asia.

Manila

In 1571 he took Manila, made it the capital, and became the first governor-general; he died the following year.

Legacy

Manila, founded by Legazpi, became a trading hub linking Asia and the Americas, and large numbers of Chinese merchants settled there.

Did you know? The name "Philippines" comes from King Philip II of Spain; it was coined by earlier explorers, and Legazpi kept it.

Key dates

• 1564Sets out from Mexico
• 1565Arrives in Cebu
• 1571Founds Manila
• 1572Died