Arrival of Diego de Gardoqui in New York

Background. Diego María de Gardoqui y Arriquibar, born in Bilbao in 1735, was a Spanish politician and member of a family of Basque councilors dedicated to commerce and metallurgy. During the American Revolutionary War, he served as a financial intermediary between the Spanish Court and the Colonies, meeting with John Jay. His family's mercantile business supplied war materials to the patriots, establishing his credentials for future diplomatic roles.

Arrival in New York. Following the Revolution, Gardoqui became Spain's first envoy to the United States. He arrived in New York City in the spring of 1785, establishing his diplomatic mission in the city. His presence marked the beginning of formal Spanish diplomatic representation in the United States, distinct from his earlier wartime commercial activities.

Early Diplomatic Activities. In October 1785, Gardoqui laid the cornerstone for St. Peter's, the first permanent structure for a Catholic church erected in the State of New York. The cornerstone laying occurred shortly after his arrival as the first Spanish envoy.