Antonio de Ulloa was designated the first Spanish governor of Louisiana following the transfer of the territory from French to Spanish control in 1763. His arrival in New Orleans on March 5, 1766, marked a significant shift in governance and colonial policy for the region. The transition had been part of the Treaty of Paris following the Seven Years' War, which saw France cede its territories west of the Mississippi River to Spain. Ulloa faced the challenges of integrating the predominantly French and Spanish-speaking population, many of whom were loyal to their former French masters and resistant to the abrupt change in governance.

Ulloa aimed to implement reforms that included improving the local economy, strengthening trade relationships, and establishing a civil government to replace the military rule that had initially governed the territory after the transition. He was determined to instill order and loyalty within the immigrant communities as well as forge connections with Native American tribes. However, he quickly encountered skepticism and resistance from local leaders who were not keen on Spanish rule, leading to tensions.

Despite his initial efforts to maintain peace and implement his policies, the complexities of local loyalties and cultural identities became increasingly apparent. Ulloa's governorship, lasting only a short time, ultimately set the stage for continued discussion and unrest around colonial governance in Louisiana, illustrating the difficulties Spain would face in managing its new territories.