Hugo Oconór
Hugo Oconór | |
|---|---|
| 23rd Governor of the Spanish Colony of Texas | |
| In office 1767–1770 | |
| Preceded by | Ángel de Martos y Navarrete |
| Succeeded by | Juan María Vicencio |
| Governor of Yucatan | |
| In office 1777–1779 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hugh O'Conor 1732 Dublin, Kingdom of Ireland |
| Died | March 8, 1779 Mérida, Captaincy General of Yucatán, New Spain, Spanish Empire |
| Known for | Founder of Tucson, Arizona |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
Hugh O'Conor (1732 — March 8, 1779), better known by his Spanish name Hugo O'Cónor, was a military governor of northern Mexico. He was appointed governor of Texas by the Spanish viceroy of New Spain in 1767. It is recorded that O'Conor rode well over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) on horseback in the course of conducting his duties. O'Conor was called "The Red Captain" by the Apache, both for the color of his hair and his formidable military leadership.
O'Conor was the founding father of the city of Tucson, Arizona, having authorized the construction of a military fort in that location in 1775. In 1777, O'Conor requested, due to his failing health, to be transferred to the Yucatan Peninsula, whereupon he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed Governor of Yucatan Peninsula. He served there until his death in 1779.