Liborio Mejía facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liborio Mejía Gutiérrez
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| President of the United Provinces of the New Granada* | |
| In office June 22, 1816 – June 30, 1816 |
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| Preceded by | José Fernández Madrid |
| Succeeded by | Custodio García Rovira |
| Vice President of the United Provinces of the New Granada | |
| In office June 30, 1816 – July 10, 1816 |
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| President | Custodio García Rovira |
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| Born | July 28, 1792 Rionegro, Antioquia |
| Died | September 3, 1816 Bogotá, Cundinamarca |
| Alma mater | Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé |
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Liborio Mejía Gutiérrez (born July 28, 1792 – died September 3, 1816) was an important Colombian leader. He was a colonel and politician who fought for Colombia's freedom from Spain.
In 1816, Liborio Mejía became the president of the United Provinces of the New Granada. He was only 24 years old, making him the youngest person ever to be president of Colombia. Sadly, he was executed just three months later. This happened during a time called the Reconquista, when Spain tried to take back control.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Liborio Mejía was born on July 28, 1792, in a town called Rionegro. This town is in the Antioquia region of what is now Colombia. His parents were José Antonio Mejía and María Gutiérrez.
From 1808 to 1812, he studied at the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé in Santafé de Bogotá. After finishing his studies, he returned to Medellín. There, he taught philosophy at the Colegio Provincial, which is now the University of Antioquia.
Liborio Mejía also worked with Francisco José de Caldas, a famous scientist. They planned how to defend Antioquia from the Spanish forces.
Joining the Fight for Freedom
In 1813, Liborio Mejía joined the army fighting for independence. He became part of the army led by Colonel José María Gutiérrez. He quickly rose through the ranks.
Soon, he was made a colonel himself. He was put in charge of the military unit in Popayán.
Leading the Nation
On June 22, 1816, the president, José Fernández Madrid, resigned. The Congress, meeting in Popayán, chose General Custodio García Rovira as the new president. Colonel Mejía was named vice-president.
However, García Rovira could not take office right away. So, Liborio Mejía had to step in as president. He was given special powers by Congress to lead during this difficult time.
His time as president was very short. He only had time to gather a War Council. They decided to form an army of 600 men. Mejía would lead this army south to face the Spanish forces of Juan Sámano.
Battles and Capture
Mejía's army fought Sámano's forces in the Battle of Cuchilla del Tambo. This battle took place on June 29, 1816. Unfortunately, the patriots were defeated.
Mejía managed to escape to a place called La Plata. There, he gave his presidential powers to Custodio García Rovira. He then became vice-president, as originally planned.
The Spanish army, now led by Carlos Toirá, caught up with Colonel Mejía in La Plata. Another battle happened on July 10, 1816. This battle ended in a final defeat for Mejía and his forces.
Mejía escaped again, but he was captured a few days later.
Execution and Legacy
Liborio Mejía was taken as a prisoner of war to Bogotá. On September 3, 1816, he was executed. This was ordered by Spanish leaders Pablo Morillo and Juan Sámano. He was accused of treason.
He was executed along with other important leaders who fought for independence. These brave people are now known as the Martyrs of Independence. Liborio Mejía was only 25 years old when he died. He was not married and had no children.
His defeat at Cuchilla del Tambo helped the Spanish Reconquista take hold.
See also
In Spanish: Liborio Mejía para niños
