Francisco Ramírez Medina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Ramírez Medina
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| 1st President of the Republic of Puerto Rico | |
| In office September 23, 1868 – September 23, 1868 |
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| Preceded by | Office created |
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Francisco Ramírez Medina
1828 Puerto Rico |
| Ramírez's authority was only recognized during the revolution. During which he made his only official proclamation and named an official cabinet. | |
Francisco Ramírez Medina (born around 1828) was an important leader in Puerto Rico's fight for freedom. He helped lead "El Grito de Lares" (The Lares Uprising) in 1868. This was the first big revolt against Spanish rule in Puerto Rico. He is also the only person ever called "President of the Republic of Puerto Rico".
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What Was the Lares Uprising?
Not much is known about Francisco Ramírez Medina's personal life. But we do know he strongly believed that Puerto Rico should be free from Spain. For many years, people in Puerto Rico wanted to gain their independence.
Some leaders, like Antonio Valero de Bernabé, worked to free Puerto Rico. He was inspired by Simón Bolívar's dream of a free Latin America. Later, in 1868, Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis started planning a major revolt. Other brave leaders, including Manuel Rojas, Mariana Bracetti, and Mathias Brugman, joined them. Francisco Ramírez Medina also became a part of this important movement.
How Was the Uprising Planned?
On September 20, 1868, Francisco Ramírez Medina held a secret meeting at his house. They planned for the revolt to start in Camuy on September 29. Many people attended this meeting, including Marcelino Vega and Ulises Cancela.
However, a Spanish captain named Juan Castañón heard about the plans. He learned that the rebels planned to start the uprising on September 29. Castañón and his men found documents about the meeting. Because of this, the rebel leaders in Camuy were arrested. The rebels then decided to start the revolution earlier than planned.
Puerto Rico Declares Independence
The rebels decided to attack the town of Lares first, on September 24. About 400 to 600 rebels gathered at Manuel Rojas's farm. They were not well-trained or well-armed. Around midnight, they reached the town.
The rebels took over the city hall and looted stores owned by Spanish people. They took Spanish merchants and government officials as prisoners. These people were seen as enemies of Puerto Rico.
Next, the revolutionaries went into the town's church. They placed the first Puerto Rican flag on the main altar. This flag was made by Mariana Bracetti. It was divided by a white cross, with red squares at the bottom and blue squares at the top. A white star was in the top left blue corner. The white cross meant hope for their homeland. The red squares stood for the blood of the heroes. The white star in the blue square meant liberty and freedom.
Placing the flag on the altar showed that the revolution had truly begun. This event is known as "El Grito de Lares" (The Cry of Lares). After this victory, Manuel Rojas and his men declared Puerto Rico a free Republic.
The First President of Puerto Rico
At 2:00 AM, the Republic of Puerto Rico was officially announced at the church. Francisco Ramírez Medina was named the first President. He then appointed other government officials:
- Francisco Ramírez Medina, President
- Aurelio Méndez, Minister of the Interior
- Manuel Ramírez, Minister of State
- Celedonio Abril, Minister of the Treasury
- Federico Valencia, Minister of War
- Clemente Millán, Minister of Justice
- Bernabé Poll, Secretary to the President
- Manuel Rojas, Commander in Chief of the Liberation Army
As President, Ramírez Medina's first official act was to end the Libreta system. This system made workers carry a notebook that showed their job and employer. If you could work but didn't have a Libreta, you could be put in prison. He also ordered that all enslaved people who joined the fight for freedom be set free. He urged everyone to help free Puerto Rico.
The Fight at San Sebastián
The rebel forces then moved to take over the next town, San Sebastián del Pepino. However, the Spanish soldiers were ready for them. They fought back strongly, which confused the rebels. Manuel Rojas led his men back to Lares.
The governor, Julián Pavía, ordered the Spanish soldiers to capture the rebels. Many survivors were imprisoned in Arecibo. Francisco Ramírez Medina was among those captured. His exact fate after being captured is not known.
Ramírez Medina's Legacy
Francisco Ramírez Medina is remembered as a hero in Puerto Rico. On November 16, 1930, the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party created special bonds. These bonds honored the "Republic of Puerto Rico" and featured a picture of Dr. Ramírez as the "First President of the Republic."
There is also a street in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico named Calle Presidente Ramírez (President Ramírez Street) in his honor. His story is also told in a play called "El Grito de Lares ... un momento en la historia" by Jerry Segarra. This play is performed in the actual places where the Grito de Lares happened, like Revolution Square and the church in Lares.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Ramírez Medina para niños
