September 17

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés was born in 1519 in Asturias, Spain. He became a naval officer and earned the rank of admiral in the Spanish navy. In 1565, he led an expedition to Florida and established St. Augustine as a strategic colonial outpost. His settlement defended Spanish interests against French incursions in North America. Menéndez served as governor of Spanish Florida until his death. He is remembered for his adventurous spirit and skillful leadership at sea.

Orélie-Antoine de Tounens was born on May 12, 1825 in Pamiers, France. As a lawyer, he traveled to South America and in 1860 proclaimed himself King Orélie-Antoine I of Araucanía and Patagonia. He drafted a constitution and attempted to establish a sovereign state among the Mapuche people. Chilean authorities arrested and deported him, but he continued to claim his royal title from Europe. De Tounens received little support and faced legal battles over his claims for the rest of his life. His story reflects the era's spirit of romantic adventure and imperial ambition. Orélie-Antoine died on September 17, 1878 in Tourtoirac, France, his dreams of a kingdom unfulfilled.