José Antonio Salcedo facts for kids
General José Antonio Salcedo y Ramírez, often called "Pepillo", was an important leader in the 1800s. He became the President of the Dominican Republic.
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Growing Up: Pepillo Salcedo's Early Years
José Antonio Salcedo was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1816. His parents were Criollos, which means they were white people of Spanish heritage born in the Americas. They were visiting Spain as part of a "Grand Tour," a trip rich families often took to Europe.
His parents, José María Salcedo and Luisa Ramírez y Marichal, were from the Dominican Republic but had moved to Cuba. Many Dominicans left their island during times of war and political trouble.
When Pepillo was about one year old, his family moved back to Cuba. Later, they settled in the Cibao valley in the Dominican Republic, where their ancestors lived. Pepillo grew up near the border with Haiti. He managed large areas of land, raised livestock, and ran a successful timber business in towns like Hatillo Palma.
Leading the Dominican Restoration War
Salcedo became a key leader in a civil war that aimed to bring back the Dominican Republic's independence. This war, called the Dominican Restoration War, started on August 16, 1863.
By September 14, 1863, a temporary government was set up, and General Salcedo became its leader. He was the first head of state for the restored Dominican Republic. However, some people in the Nationalist movement did not agree with his ideas, as they thought his policies favored those who wanted the country to be taken over by another power.
How Pepillo Salcedo Died
On October 15, 1864, Salcedo sent a message to his wife, who lived in Guayubín. He sent it with a young soldier named Ulises Heureaux. Later that same day, Salcedo was assassinated (killed) by Coronel Agustín Masagó. This killing was ordered by General Gaspar Polanco.
Pepillo Salcedo's Family Life
Salcedo married Águeda Rodríguez from Guayubín. They had at least four children together:
- José Tomás (born 1841)
- Antonia (born 1846)
- Cristina (born 1851)
- Julia (who married Rosendo Batista in 1888)
Antonia Salcedo had a daughter named Antonia María Troncoso y Salcedo with another important figure from the Restoration War, Dionisio Troncoso.
Honors and Legacy
The town of Pepillo Salcedo, located in the Monte Cristi Province, was named in his honor. This shows how important he was to the history of the Dominican Republic.
See also
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In Spanish: José Antonio Salcedo para niños
