Alonso de Ojeda

Alonso de Ojeda , c.1466-1515?, Spanish conquistador. He joined Columbus on his second voyage and in 1499—at first accompanied by Vespucci —explored the northeastern coast of South America. In 1508 he was made governor of territories of N South America. Near present Cartagena he was defeated by the Native Americans and virtually rescued by Diego de Nicuesa. Again he had trouble with the Native Americans and, leaving his men under the command of Francisco Pizarro , sought aid in Hispaniola. He reached Cuba, but his actions after arrival are obscure. His men abandoned the colony and were picked up not far from Cartagena by Enciso .

Aruba A territory of the Netherlands 15 miles (24 km) off the Venezuelan coast which was claimed by Spain when discovered in 1499. According to local tradition, Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer, is said to have given the island the name Oro Hubo, suggesting that gold, oro, was to be found. The Spanish, however, did not settle. The Dutch presence, after they took the island in 1636, was also minimal. Between 1828 and 1845 the island was part of the Dutch West Indies and then of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986. The name is believed to have come from a Caiquetios Arawak word oibubai ‘guide’.