Tejano History

Viana, Francisco

Viana, Francisco

Tejanos |

       VIANA, FRANCISCO (1750–ca. 1809). Francisco Viana, assistant inspector of presidios and frequent commander of military outposts in the Spanish province of Texas, was born in Málaga, Spain, in 1750. He served as a cadet in the Malta Cavalry and the Queen's Dragoons before coming to the New World in 1776 with Teodoro de Croix, newly appointed commandant general of the Provincias Internas. Viana was commissioned a lieutenant on January 9, 1778, and advanced to captain on June 22, 1792. He led Mexican troops against marauding Apaches in Chihuahua and served as adjutant to his general on numerous occasions. He crushed the revolt of Zacualco and pursued smugglers and bandits in the Cañadas of Ceutla and Fistla. As interim corregidor of Real de Minas de Bolaños, he investigated complaints from the settlers against the Real Audiencia de Guadalajara in matters involving the militia and payment of tribute by the miners. Though he was an able and highly regarded soldier, his advancement was reportedly hindered by his outspokenness.

 

Full article on the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas Online

   Courtesy of the Texas State Historical Association.