Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, captain of Espírito Santo

Vasco Fernandes Coutinho (1490–1561) was a Portuguese fidalgo and the first donatary of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo, a colonial territory in what is now Brazil.

Vasco Fernandes Coutinho
1st Captain-major of the Captaincy of Espírito Santo
In office 23 May 1535 – 21 June 1561
Monarchs	John III (1535–1557) Sebastian I (1557–1531)
Succeeded by	Vasco Fernandes Coutinho Filho
Personal details
Born	1490 Serpa, Kingdom of Portugal
Died	1561(1561-00-00) (aged 70–71) Vila Velha, Portuguese colony of Brazil
Spouse(s)	Maria do Campo Ana Vaz de Almada
Children	Jorge Martim Guiomar Maria Catarina Vasco Fernandes Filho
Parents	Jorge de Melo (father) Branca Coutinho (mother)

Biography

Vasco Fernandes Coutinho was born in Portugal. He was later amongst the first 12 volunteers from Portugal to come to the newly discovered land of Brazil. In order to finance the crew and provisions needed to sail a single ship to Brazil, Coutinho sold everything he owned and took out loans.^[1] He was presented the area which became Espírito Santo and administered the colony for 25 years, despite being a military man by trade.

He founded both the first capital of Espírito Santo (today known as Vila Velha, "Old Town") and the current capital Vitória.

During his administration Espírito Santo's first two churches – São João and Rosário, both in Vila Velha – were founded in 1551. Both are still standing.

Coat of Arms of Vasco Coutinho