Oñate, Juan de (c. 1550-1630), Spanish explorer and conquistador.
Born in New Spain (Mexico) to wealthy parents, Oñate married the granddaughter of Hernan Cortes.
He dreamed of conquering the region north of New Spain. His plan to conquer and govern the area was approved in 1595, but he did not begin his expedition until three years later. The expedition crossed the Rio Grande at El Paso in 1598, and Oñate established headquarters at that river's junction with the Chama. He named the area New Mexico. Oñate sent out exploring parties to Kansas in 1601, and then west of the Colorado River to the Gulf of California in 1605, both times looking for gold. After these unsuccessful expeditions, many settlers wanted to return to New Spain. Oñate refused to let them leave. He also treated the native Americans brutally.
Oñate resigned from his governorship in 1607. Seven years later, he was tried and convicted of cruelty, immorality, and false reporting during his governorship. Exiled and deprived of his titles, he died without clearing his name.
