Realidad y leyendaIsabel Barreto Almiranta y Adelantada

Abstract

Isabel Barreto was born in Mexico and accompanied his husband on his last expedition from Peru to the Pacific, in search of the Solomon Island, in order to populate them. In Santa Cruz Island, she replaced Alvaro de Mendaña, her spouse, and her brother Lorenzo as admiral, Adelantada and Governor after their death. She and the main pilot, Quirós, arrived at Manila with the survivors of the expedition, after a terrible voyage of three months. Isabel was accused of cruelty by the crew. She demonstrated a strong personality with great leadership and great determination. She had an uncompromising attitude and managed to maintain severe discipline of the crew of tough and adventurous men, always willing to conspire and mutiny. It is said that Isabel crossed the Atlantic Ocean for the last time to Spain to defend her rights over the Solomon Islands the King had given to her. Isabel Barreto was the first and only Admiral of the Spanish Navy throughout History.