Baloba Celebrates finding the Pacific Ocean!

Vasco Nunez de Balboa was a conquistador who discovered the Pacific Ocean and was governor of Panama for a short time. He had a very adventurous life; he went from hiding in a barrel to leading a group of soldiers to riches beyond imagination. He founded cities and settled Panama.
Little is know about Balboa’s childhood, he was one of four bothers born to a nobleman in southwestern Spain. In 1501 Balboa crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of treasure. He explored the southeastern coast of South America and made a lot of money. He took his earning and moved to the island of Hispaniola where he settled and, for five years tried to farm and raise pigs. His farm was not a success and Balboa lost his money. In 1509 he sneaked on a ship to escape his debts. Balboa stowed away, hidden in barrel with his dog, Leoncico. The ship was headed to San Sebastian to aid Alonso de Ojeda. Before the ship reached San Sebastian Balboa was discovered. The captain threatened to maroon Balboa on a desert island, but the crew became friends with him and his life was spared. When the ship landed they found survivors from a massacre. With Balboa’s knowledge and leadership the survivors were able to make it to safety. After he lead the group to safety, he founded a settlement, then set off across Panama. In 1513, Balboa became the first the first conquistador to see the Pacific Ocean.
Balboa was able to lead his troops through the jungles and make friends with the Indians. He traded with them, rather than killing them and taking their property. When he came back from discovering the Pacific Ocean his troops were loaded with gold, goods and pearls. It is sad that the Governor, his wife’s father, wanted his troops to kill the natives rather than trade with them and make friends.
Balboa was not that important in the history of America, he was a good leader, but he was killed by his wife’s father before he had a chance to accomplish many things. Had he lived, he might have made a greater impact on the world.
Balboa was important to South America because he civilized Panama and made allies of the local tribes which helped them be more successful in life. He brought them heath, productivity and protection from Spain. Without Balboa Panama would have been slave central. He protected them from cruel slave owners and brutal slaughter. So, that’s how Vasco Nunez de Balboa became famous, a great conquistador and a great Spaniard by helping Panama, helping natives and helping Spain.

John
Freedom Seven Elementary
School of International Studies
May 17, 2009