Juan Aldama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Aldama Elias
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| Born | January 3, 1774 San Miguél el Grande (now San Miguel de Allende), Guanajuato, New Spain |
| Died | June 26, 1811 (aged 37) Chihuahua, Nueva Vizcaya, New Spain (now Mexico) |
| Allegiance |  New Spain (1774-1810) Mexico (1811) |
| Years of service | ? - 1811 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Mexican War of Independence |
Juan Aldama (born January 3, 1774, in San Miguel el Grande, Guanajuato; died June 26, 1811, in Chihuahua) was an important Mexican soldier. He was a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.
Contents
Juan Aldama's Role in Mexican Independence
Juan Aldama was the brother of another important figure, Ignacio Aldama. At the start of the War of Independence, Juan Aldama was a captain in the Queen's cavalry. This was a military group that served the Spanish rulers.
He secretly attended meetings in Querétaro. These meetings were organized by Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez and aimed to plan for Mexico's independence. Aldama had to travel from his home in San Miguel el Grande to attend.
The Start of the Revolution
Juan Aldama was in San Miguel when he learned that their secret plans had been discovered. A supporter had told the Spanish authorities. He quickly traveled to Dolores to warn Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and Ignacio Allende.
He was there on the night of September 15, 1810. This was when the famous Grito de Dolores ("Cry of Dolores") happened. This event officially started the armed fight for independence.
Capture and Legacy
Sadly, Aldama was captured by the Spanish forces on March 21, 1811. This happened at the Wells of Baján in Coahuila. He was put on trial by a military court for going against the Spanish Crown.
On June 26, 1811, he was executed by a firing squad. This happened along with Allende and other rebel leaders. After his death, his head was displayed publicly as a warning. Later, his remains were moved to an altar in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City. In 1925, his remains were moved one last time to the Independence Column in Mexico City. This shows how much he is honored.
How Juan Aldama Is Remembered
Juan Aldama is considered a national hero in Mexico. Many places are named after him to honor his bravery and sacrifice.
- The municipality of Juan Aldama, Zacatecas.
- The municipality of Villaldama, Nuevo León.
- The municipality of Aldama, Tamaulipas.
- The municipality of Aldama, Chihuahua.
- The municipality of Villa Aldama, Veracruz.
- The city of León, Guanajuato, was officially renamed "León de los Aldama." This honors both Juan and Ignacio Aldama.
- The municipality of Los Aldamas, Nuevo León is also named after the two brothers.
- The village of Juan Aldama, "El Tigre," in Sinaloa, near Culiacán.
- A street named Juan Aldama in Mexicali, Baja California.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Aldama para niños
