Luis Muñoz Rivera (Ponce statue) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luis Muñoz Rivera |
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| Artist | Luiggi Tomassi (Pietrasanta, Italy) |
| Year | 1923 |
| Type | Bronze on marble pedestal |
| Movement | Beaux Arts (pedestal) |
| Condition | Pristine |
| Location | Plaza Luis Muñoz Rivera Ponce |
| 18°00′43.848″N 66°36′50.6154″W / 18.01218000°N 66.614059833°W | |
| Owner | Municipality of Ponce, PR |
Luis Muñoz Rivera is a statue in Ponce, Puerto Rico, built to remember an important Puerto Rican poet, journalist, and politician named Luis Muñoz Rivera. The statue is made of bronze and stands on a large marble base designed in the Beaux Arts style. You can find it in Plaza Muñoz Rivera, a public square in Ponce.
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Who Was Luis Muñoz Rivera?
Luis Muñoz Rivera was born on July 17, 1859, and passed away on November 15, 1916. He was a very important person in Puerto Rico's history. He worked hard to help Puerto Rico gain more autonomy, which means having more control over its own government and decisions.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
In 1887, Muñoz Rivera joined a new group called the Autonomist Party. He became a representative for the area of Caguas. He was part of a team that talked with Spanish leaders about giving Puerto Rico more self-rule.
Working for Puerto Rico's Future
After these talks, Puerto Rico was granted an autonomous government, and Muñoz Rivera became a key leader in this new government. However, things changed when the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1898. This treaty transferred Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States. After this, a military government was set up in Puerto Rico.
Muñoz Rivera later became a strong supporter of the Liberal Party of Puerto Rico. In 1890, he started a newspaper called La Democracía in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This newspaper helped share his ideas and news with the public.
Family Life and Later Years
In 1893, Muñoz Rivera married Amalia Marín in a ceremony held at the Ponce Cathedral. He also helped write the Plan de Ponce, which was another plan for Puerto Rico to have more control over its own affairs.
In 1909, he was chosen to be the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico to the U.S. Congress. This was a big role where he represented Puerto Rico in Washington D.C. He also helped create the Jones-Shafroth Act, an important law for Puerto Rico.
Sadly, Muñoz Rivera became ill and passed away on November 15, 1916. His son, Luis Muñoz Marín, later became the first governor of Puerto Rico who was chosen by the people.
About the Statue
The statue of Luis Muñoz Rivera was made by an Italian sculptor named Luiggi Tomassi. It was created in Pietrasanta, Italy. The statue is made of bronze and was officially shown to the public in 1923. It was put in place on November 28, 1923. The large base of the statue is made of beautiful marble. Luis Yordán Dávila, who was the mayor of Ponce at that time, was one of the main people who wanted this monument to be built.
