Francisco García Salinas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco García Salinas
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Governor of Zacatecas | |
| In office 1 January 1829 – 31 December 1834 |
|
| Vice Governor | Valentín Gómez Farías |
| Minister of Finances | |
| In office 2 November 1827 – 15 February 1828 |
|
| President | Guadalupe Victoria |
| Preceded by | Tomás Salgado |
| Succeeded by | José Ignacio Pavón |
| Senator for Zacatecas | |
| In office 1 January 1825 – 1826 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 November 1786 New Spain |
| Died | 2 December 1841 (aged 55) Mexico |
Francisco García Salinas (born November 20, 1786 – died December 2, 1841) was an important Mexican politician. People often called him "Tata Pachito." He was born in Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico.
Francisco García Salinas worked as a Deputy and Senator. He also helped create the Second Mexican Constituent Congress. Later, he became the Minister of Finance (1827–1828). He is best known for being the Governor of Zacatecas. During his time as governor, he made many important changes.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francisco García Salinas was born on a country estate near Jerez, Zacatecas. He grew up to become a key figure in Mexican politics.
His Studies and Learning
He joined the Apostolic College of San Francisco. Later, he studied at the Seminary of Guadalajara. There, he learned about Latin, Philosophy, and Scholastic Theology. He also studied subjects like Mathematics, Geography, and Literature. After finishing his studies, he went back to his hometown.
Family and Work
Francisco García Salinas was married twice. His first wife was Loreto Elías. Later, he married Doña Maria Mercedes Dávila.
He also worked in the mining industry. He gained a lot of experience in mines like Vetagrande and the famous Quebradilla Mine. He even did his own research in this field.
Public Service Career
Francisco García Salinas had a long career serving the public.
Working for the Nation
In 1821, he became the Registrar of Finances for his local government. This job helped him become very popular with the people.
He was elected to the Mexican Constitutional Congress in 1823. A year later, in 1824, he became a senator. In both roles, he focused on public finance. He even created a new system for investments in Mexico. While in the Senate, he found many problems with how money was being managed.
When General Guadalupe Victoria became President, he made García Salinas the Minister of Finance. Just a few days into this job, García Salinas decided to create a strict financial system. This was to fix the money problems he found.
Governor of Zacatecas
In 1828, Francisco García Salinas became the Governor of Zacatecas. He worked hard to improve the state, which he called his "loyal lady." People even called him the "Model Governor."
One of his first actions was to create police forces. These forces helped catch bandits. He also organized the National Guard to fight crime.
After Spanish rule ended, some mines were left empty. So, the government started three companies to reopen them. Work began on mines in Bolsas, San Nicolas, Santa Rita, and Nieves. In late 1829, he tried to start a bank for farmers, but it did not succeed.
Helping Farmers Grow
García Salinas bought land and gave it to farmers. These farmers then organized into special groups called military colonies. The government also provided money to buy drills. These drills were used to dig artesian wells for water.
He also helped develop the textile industry. He brought in skilled workers and officers. They set up looms in Jerez, Villanueva, and Aguascalientes. This helped use the wool that was available. He also worked to improve sheep breeding. He even introduced and promoted cotton farming and the raising of silkworms.
Improving Education
García Salinas was very interested in education. He started lectures in grammar, Latin, philosophy, and canon law. This was the beginning of the Literary Institute of García Salinas in Zacatecas. Today, it is known as the Autonomous University of Zacatecas.
He also started drawing academies in Zacatecas and Aguascalientes. He set up a Teachers' Training School. In 1831, he passed a Primary Education Act. By 1832, he opened the state's first library. He bought many books and subscribed to newspapers and magazines from around the world.
Public Health Efforts
García Salinas fought against serious diseases. These included epidemics of cholera and gastroenteritis. These illnesses caused many deaths across the country. As a result, he built a large cemetery called Panteón del Refugio. It opened on November 1, 1834. More than 40,000 children were also vaccinated against smallpox.
New Buildings and Structures
On December 1, 1832, the first theater was built in Zacatecas. It was built on the ruins of an old prison. It could hold 200 people. Sadly, it caught fire in 1889. García Salinas also set up an armory, a place to store weapons. It was first in an old convent. Later, it moved to a citadel. Today, that site is the General Enrique Estrada School.
End of His Political Role
In 1832, there was a conflict between supporters of General Manuel Gómez Pedraza and the forces of Anastasio Bustamante. When Bustamante's forces won, it marked the end of Salinas Garcia's time as governor.
His Passing
Francisco García Salinas passed away on December 2, 1841. He died on the Estate of San Pedro Piedra Gorda in Cuauhtémoc, Zacatecas. He suffered from a lung condition. In the same year, he was offered a job in Santa Anna's government, but he did not accept it.
To honor Francisco García Salinas, the city of Jerez and the Autonomous University of Zacatecas were named after him. Many schools throughout the state also carry his name.
Images for kids
-
Francisco García Salinas, also known as "Tata Pachito."
See also
In Spanish: Francisco García Salinas para niños
