Antonio María Bucareli y Ursúa

Antonio María Bucareli y Ursúa (born January 24, 1717, Sevilla, Spain—died April 9, 1779, Mexico City, Mexico) was a Spanish soldier and statesman, noted for his excellent administration as the prudent and humane colonial viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) from 1771 to 1779. Under his rule, Mexico enjoyed greater prosperity and security than most of Spanish America.

Bucareli began his military career as a soldier for Spain in Italy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant general. In 1760 he was made viceroy of Cuba, a post he held until he was appointed viceroy of New Spain (1771).

Bucareli’s military accomplishments in Mexico included the quelling of Indian revolts in the north, the elimination of bands of criminals that had roamed freely throughout the country, and the construction of forts at Acapulco, Perote, and Acordada. He also fostered the drainage of the valley of Mexico, reformed the system of taxation, and promoted improvements in minting currency and in establishing fixed weights for coins. He encouraged the settlement of California and assisted in the founding of the port of San Francisco.

Advanced for their time, Bucareli’s welfare policies included the construction of the mental asylum of San Hipólito and the founding of a hospital for the poor in Mexico City. In the field of culture, he promoted the arts and sciences and helped to beautify Mexico City by encouraging the construction of the square that bears his name. His administration is judged to be one of the most effective of the 18th century.