Antonio Valero de Bernabé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonio Valero de Bernabé
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Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabé
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| Birth name | Antonio Valero de Bernabé Pacheco |
| Born | October 26, 1790 Fajardo, Puerto Rico |
| Died | June 7, 1863 (aged 72) Bogotá, Colombia |
| Allegiance | Spanish Army, Mexican Revolutionary Army, Venezuelan Patriot Army |
| Years of service | 1807–1863 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Military Chief of the Department of Panama, Governor of Puerto Cabello, Chief of Staff of Colombia, Minister of War and Maritime of Venezuela |
| Battles/wars | Second Siege of Zaragoza, Mexican War of Independence, Spanish American wars of independence |
| Awards | The Bust of the Liberator of Venezuela, The Medal of the Liberators of Mexico, The Bust of the Liberator of Peru, Medal del Callao |
Antonio Vicente Miguel Valero de Bernabé Pacheco (October 26, 1790 – June 7, 1863) was a brave military leader from Puerto Rico. He was often called The Liberator from Puerto Rico. He dreamed of uniting all Latin American countries into one big group. This was a dream he shared with another famous leader, Simón Bolívar.
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Early Life and Training
Antonio Valero de Bernabé was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. His father was an officer in the Spanish army. His mother came from a rich Puerto Rican family. When Antonio was young, his father passed away. His family sent him to Spain to study military science. He finished his studies and became a junior officer in 1807. In 1811, he married María Madrid in Cartagena, Spain.
Fighting in Spain
After becoming an officer, Bernabé joined the Spanish army. At this time, Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to attack Portugal. He asked the Spanish king, Charles IV, for permission to march his army through Spain. But Napoleon refused to leave Spain. So, Spain declared war on him.
Bernabé fought bravely in the Battle of Saragossa. His actions helped defeat Napoleon's army. Because of his courage, he received many honors. He was also promoted to the rank of colonel.
In 1813, Ferdinand VII became the new king of Spain. Bernabé did not agree with the king's plans for the Spanish colonies in Latin America. He decided to leave the army. He then moved to Mexico.
Fighting for Independence in Mexico
In Mexico, Bernabé joined the Army of the Three Guarantees. This army was led by Agustín de Iturbide. Bernabé became the Chief of Staff. He fought hard for Mexico to become independent from Spain. Mexico won its independence in 1821.
After this victory, Iturbide was named the Emperor of Mexico. Bernabé had seen how kings ruled in Spain. He did not like the idea of a monarchy. So, he led a revolt against Iturbide. His revolt was not successful. Bernabé had to leave Mexico.
He was captured by a Spanish pirate and sent to jail in Cuba. But Bernabé managed to escape! Friends who wanted independence for South America helped him.
Joining Simón Bolívar
After escaping, Bernabé joined Simón Bolívar. Bolívar was leading the fight for independence in Central and South America. Bernabé learned about Bolívar's big plan to free the colonies from Spain. He decided to help him.
He traveled to the Danish colony of Saint Thomas. There, he met with people who wanted Puerto Rico to be independent. Then, he went to Venezuela. He met with important generals like Carlos Soublette and Francisco de Paula Santander.
Bernabé joined the Army of the South. This army was fighting to free Ecuador and Peru. In 1824, he played a key role in the Battle of Ayacucho. This battle was led by General Antonio José de Sucre. It was a big victory against the Spanish army.
In 1825, Bolívar gave Bernabé an important job. He made him Chief of Staff for the forces attacking Callao. Callao was the last Spanish stronghold in South America. It surrendered in 1826. Later, Bolívar made Bernabé the Second Military Chief of Panama. In 1829, he was promoted to Brigadier General.
In Venezuela, Bernabé held many important military positions. He was always loyal to Bolívar and a trusted friend. Later, he was wrongly accused of plotting against Bolívar. He was sent away to Saint Thomas with his family. When Bolívar died in 1830, Bernabé was allowed to be an honor guard at his funeral. He continued to be involved in politics until he passed away.
Life in Venezuela
Bernabé stayed in Saint Thomas for one year. The government recognized his military service. They gave his family a pension, which is like a regular payment.
In May 1831, Bernabé was allowed to return to Venezuela. He was offered a military job again. He took the offer. He tried to stay out of the political problems happening in the country.
Bernabé was one of the people who started the Liberal Party of Venezuela. In 1840, he married for the second time to Teresa Martínez. In 1842, the government asked Bernabé to organize something special. He helped bring the remains of Simón Bolívar back to Caracas. Bolívar was then buried in the Caracas cathedral. In 1853, Venezuela honored Bernabé. They gave him the Bust of the Liberator of Venezuela award.
In 1858, a federal revolution began. Generals Zamora and Juan Crisóstomo Falcón led it. They took control of a province. They named Valero de Bernabé the revolutionary leader for the state of Aragua. When the revolution had to retreat, Bernabé went to Colombia. The President of Colombia, Mosquera, made him Commander in Chief of the First Division. He stayed in Colombia until he died.
Death and Legacy
Antonio Valero de Bernabé died on June 7, 1863, in Bogotá, Colombia. He was not able to reunite with his family in Venezuela. He was buried in a local cemetery. Over time, the exact spot of his grave was lost.
Later, General Guzmán Blanco, who was president of Venezuela, wanted to move Bernabé's remains. He wanted them to be buried in the National Pantheon of Caracas. This is where Bolívar and other heroes are buried. But they could not find his tomb. However, his name is written on a bronze plaque in the Pantheon.
Puerto Rico remembers Bernabé's contributions. Schools and streets are named after him. There is also a statue of him in Fajardo, his hometown.
Images for kids
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Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabé
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Valero de Bernabé para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Simón Bolívar
- Agustín de Iturbide
- María de las Mercedes Barbudo
- Ducoudray Holstein Expedition
