Pinckney’s Treaty/Treaty of Madrid

Synonyms

Pinckney’s Treaty; Treaty of Madrid; Treaty of San Lorenzo

Definition

Pinckney’s Treaty, also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo or the Treaty of Madrid, officially named as the Treaty of Friendship, Limits, and Navigation Between Spain and The United States, was an agreement signed on October 27, 1795, between Spain and the United States. The main objective of the treaty was to eliminate territorial disputes between the United States and Spanish territories in Florida by recognizing the 31st parallel as the southern boundary of the United States. The treaty also guaranteed US citizens the right to navigate the Mississippi River and established several commercial concessions favorable to the American interests in the area.

Pinckney’s Treaty ended the dispute between Spain and the United States over ownership of West Florida and effectively ended Spanish attempts to expand their possessions in North America.

Introduction

Spanish, French, and British Settlements in Florida

The...