José Joaquín Calvo facts for kids

José Joaquin del Calvo Lopez (born January 16, 1798, in Cuba – died February 28, 1838, in Chihuahua, Mexico) was an important Mexican soldier and politician. He played a part in Mexico's fight for independence from Spain and later served as a governor.

Early Life and Military Career

José Joaquin del Calvo Lopez was born in Havana, Cuba, on January 16, 1798. His parents were Thomas and Clara López Calvo. When he was about 14 years old, in 1812, he joined the Spanish military.

In 1818, he arrived in Mexico as a second lieutenant. This was during the Mexican War of Independence, when Mexico was fighting to become free from Spain. At first, he fought against the Mexican rebels in places like Veracruz and Michoacán.

Joining the Independence Movement

However, in 1821, José Joaquin del Calvo Lopez decided to switch sides and join the Mexican independence movement. He marched into Mexico City with the Trigarante Army on September 27, 1821. This army was very important because it helped Mexico finally gain its independence.

After Mexico became independent, he continued to serve in the military. He worked in many different parts of Mexico, including Morelos, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Sonora, and Sinaloa. He rose through the ranks and eventually became a brigadier general, which is a high military rank.

Political Roles and Later Life

From 1822 to 1824, José Joaquin del Calvo Lopez took on a new role. He was named the political and military chief of Querétaro. This job was similar to being a governor, meaning he was in charge of both the government and the military in that area.

Challenges in Querétaro

While he was in Querétaro, there was a rebellion on December 12, 1823. During this time, he was arrested by a military group in Santiago de Querétaro. This event was a military mutiny, which means soldiers rebelled against their commanders.

In 1828, he bought a large estate called Hacienda de Salaices in Chihuahua. A hacienda was a big farm or ranch. Later, on September 18, 1834, he became the governor of both Chihuahua and New Mexico. He served in this important position until his death in 1838.

See also

In Spanish: José Joaquín Calvo para niños