Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán

Who was Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán?

Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán was a naval officer of the Spanish Royal Navy.

He entered the navy at the age of 13. He distinguished himself in the defence of Morro Castle and San Salvador de la Punta Fortress during the Battle of Havana. He also fought against the Barbary Coast pirats in 1767.

In 1781, he became director of the Royal Artillery Factory of La Cavada, and reorganised it to that extent that he was promoted to become inspector general of the Spanish Navy. In 1783, at the age of 38, he became Navy Minister and continued the modernisation of the Spanish Navy.

He became a knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1797.

The settlements of Valdez, Alaska and Valdez, Florida were named after him.