Antonio de los Reyes Correa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonio de los Reyes Correa
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Capt. Antonio de los Reyes Correa
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| Nickname(s) | El Capitan Correa |
| Born | c. 1665 Arecibo, Puerto Rico |
| Died | June 9, 1758 Arecibo, Puerto Rico |
| Allegiance | Spanish Marine Infantry |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands held | The Arecibo militia |
| Battles/wars | Fought the British in Arecibo, Puerto Rico |
| Awards | "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image) |
Antonio de los Reyes Correa (born around 1665 – died June 9, 1758) was a brave Puerto Rican hero. He was also known as El Capitán Correa. He served as a Captain in the Spanish Marine Infantry. Captain Correa and his small group of soldiers famously defended the town of Arecibo from a British attack in 1702.
Early Life of Captain Correa
Antonio de los Reyes Correa was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. His parents were Jose Rodriguez Correa and Francisca Rodriguez de Valdez Colon. From a young age, he was part of a local defense group called a militia. This militia's main job was to protect Arecibo. They guarded the town from pirates and any foreign armies that might try to invade. Captain Correa became famous because of his amazing defense of Arecibo. This happened when the British attacked on August 5, 1702.
Defending Arecibo from Attack
In the early 1700s, the British and Spain were at war. Great Britain decided to attack Spanish lands in the New World (the Americas). On August 5, 1702, two British warships sailed towards Arecibo. They sent two smaller boats with soldiers to land on Arecibo's beach.
Captain Correa's local militia had only thirty men. They were armed mostly with spears and machetes. The British soldiers, however, had better weapons like muskets and swords. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Correa and his men fought bravely. The battle was fierce. In the end, twenty-two British soldiers died on land. Another eight died at sea. The British captain leading the landing troops was also killed by Correa himself. Captain Correa was wounded, but the British left. The town of Arecibo was saved! Because of his bravery, Antonio de los Reyes Correa became a national hero in Puerto Rico.
Honors and Later Years
For his heroic actions, King Philip V of Spain honored Captain Correa. On September 23, 1703, he received "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image). He was also given the official title of "Captain of Infantry."
In Spanish tradition, a Captain of Infantry could also become a mayor. Captain Correa served as a temporary mayor of Arecibo from 1700 to 1701. Then, he became the official mayor from 1701 to 1705. He also served as mayor again from 1710 to 1714 and from 1716 to 1744.
Captain Antonio de los Reyes Correa was married to Estephania Rodríguez de Matos y Colón. He passed away on June 9, 1758.
Today, Arecibo is proudly known as the "Villa del Capitan Correa." This means "Captain Correa's Village." It is an honor given by the people of the town. The people of Arecibo also remember Correa in their Coat of Arms. It has a gold belt with the words "Muy Leal," which means "Very Loyal." This represents Captain Correa's loyalty.
On January 8, 2004, the Government of Puerto Rico passed a special law. This law made August 5 the official Day of Antonio de los Reyes Correa. In the city of Ponce, a street was named after him. It runs through different neighborhoods, ending at Avenida Las Américas.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio de los Reyes Correa para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
