María de los Remedios de Escalada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
María de los Remedios de Escalada
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| Born | November 20, 1797 |
| Died | August 3, 1823 (aged 25) |
| Nationality |  Argentina |
| Spouse(s) | José de San Martín |
María de los Remedios de Escalada y La Quintana (born November 20, 1797 – died August 3, 1823) was an important woman in Argentine history. She is best known as the wife of General José de San Martín, a famous leader of the Argentine War of Independence. Remedios played a key role in supporting her husband's efforts to free South America from Spanish rule.
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Early Life and Family
Remedios de Escalada was born in Buenos Aires in 1797. Her parents were Tomasa de la Quintana y Aoiz and Antonio José de Escalada. Her family was well-known and wealthy in the city.
The Escalada family was involved in business. They also supported the May Revolution of 1810. This revolution led to Argentina's independence from Spain. Her family even held secret meetings at their home to plan for freedom.
Marriage to José de San Martín
Remedios met José de San Martín during this time. He was a general who had recently moved to Buenos Aires. Many historians believe they fell in love quickly. However, it was also a good match for both families.
The marriage helped San Martín connect with important families in the city. It also gave the Escalada family ties to a rising military leader. They married on September 12, 1812, in Buenos Aires. Remedios was 14 years old at the time.
Supporting the Fight for Freedom
Soon after their wedding, San Martín had to travel for his military duties. He was leading the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers. Remedios and San Martín were separated for a while. They reunited when San Martín became Governor of Mendoza Province in 1814.
Remedios actively helped her husband prepare the Army of the Andes. This army was crucial for crossing the Andes mountains to free Chile and Peru. She worked hard to raise money and support for the soldiers.
Designing the Army's Banner
On October 10, 1815, Remedios gathered jewelry from wealthy families in Mendoza. She also donated her own jewelry. This collection helped fund the army.
In 1816, Remedios and her friends designed the banner for the Army of the Andes. San Martín had mentioned that his army needed a flag. This banner later became the official flag of Mendoza Province.
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Birth of Her Daughter
Remedios and San Martín had one child. Their daughter, Mercedes Tomasa San Martín y Escalada, was born on August 16, 1816.
Later Life and Death
In January 1817, San Martín left to lead the historic Crossing of the Andes. This meant another long separation from Remedios. Sadly, Remedios became very ill with tuberculosis in 1819.
On March 24, her health worsened. She had to return to Buenos Aires, hoping to be with her family. General Manuel Belgrano arranged for her to be escorted safely on the long journey.
After freeing Peru, General San Martín returned to Mendoza in 1823. He wanted to visit his wife in Buenos Aires, who was very sick. However, some political leaders in Buenos Aires did not like San Martín.
The government minister, Bernardino Rivadavia, refused to give San Martín safe passage. Despite this, San Martín traveled to Buenos Aires. When he arrived, he learned that Remedios had already passed away. She was only 25 years old.
María Remedios de Escalada was buried at the La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires. San Martín left Argentina soon after and died in exile in 1850.
Images for kids
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María de los Remedios de Escalada
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Replica of the banner designed by Sñra. San Martín for the Army of the Andes; it was later made the official flag of Mendoza Province.
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Recoleta tomb of Sñra. San Martín
See also
In Spanish: María de los Remedios de Escalada para niños
