Francisco Moreno
Don Francisco Moreno 1793-1885
"The King of Pensacola"
Born in Pensacola on November 25th, 1793, Don Francisco Moreno was known as "The King of Pensacola" thanks to his wealth, influence in the community, and impressive number of descendants. Over the 92 years he spent in Pensacola, he swore his allegiance to each of the five countries that have ruled the "City of Five Flags." In addition to his own investments in the surrounding area, Moreno provided banking services for prospective investors by lending gold coins out of a chest beneath his bed. He also maintained good relations with the Spanish officials during his fifty-year tenure as Pensacola's official Spanish representative.
In 1814, Moreno married Josefa Lopez, who gave him three children. They lived in what today is called the Dorothy Walton house in Pensacola's historic district until Josefa's death in 1820. The following year, Moreno married Margarita, Josefa's sister. They had twelve children together.
During this time, he built the Paris Hotel, the first in Pensacola, on Tarragona Street. He also built a home on Palafox street which burned down. He then purchased a large piece of property on Zarragossa Street where he hosted the neighborly gatherings that fueled his rise to prominence. Margarita died in 1851.
The following year, Moreno's future third wife was born. Sixteen years later, he wed Mentoria Gonzalez. Even though he was 42 years older than her, they had twelve children together before he died in 1883. His progeny totaled 27 children, 75 grandchildren, and 127 great-grandchildren.
