Monumento a los héroes de El Polvorín (obelisk) facts for kids
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Image of the monument
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| Coordinates | 18° 0' 40.6794" N, 66° 36' 49.464" W (N 18.01130, W 66.61374). |
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| Location | Plaza Degetau at Plaza Las Delicias, Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Type | Obelisk |
| Material | Granite and Marble |
| Height | approx 20 feet |
| Beginning date | ca. 1947 |
| Completion date | 1948 |
| Opening date | 25 January 1948 |
| Dedicated to | The "El Polvorin" fire heroes |
The Monumento a los héroes de El Polvorín is a special monument in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It honors seven brave firefighters and one civilian. These heroes stopped a huge fire called "El Polvorín" on January 25, 1899. Their quick actions saved many lives and homes in the city.
Contents
What is the El Polvorín Monument?
This monument is a tall, pointed stone structure called an obelisk. It was built to remember the amazing courage of the people who fought the "El Polvorín" fire. Their bravery prevented a much bigger disaster in Ponce.
Where is the Monument Located?
You can find the monument in a nice, shady spot in Plaza Las Delicias in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Specifically, it's in the eastern part of Plaza Degetau. This plaza is a central gathering place in the city.
The Brave Heroes of El Polvorín
The monument celebrates the following eight heroes:
- Rafael Rivera Esbri (a civilian)
- Pedro Sabater (a firefighter)
- Rafael del Valle (a firefighter)
- Cayetano Casals (a firefighter)
- Pedro Ruiz (a firefighter)
- Juan Romero (a firefighter)
- Gregorio Rivera (a firefighter)
- Tomas Rivera (a firefighter)
The Story of the Great Fire
On January 25, 1899, a huge fire broke out in Ponce. It started in a horse barn used by the U.S. Army. The fire quickly spread towards an area where the army stored its artillery munitions (like gunpowder).
The army commander thought it was too dangerous to fight the fire. He ordered his soldiers and the local firefighters to stay away. He was worried about explosions. However, seven firefighters and one civilian decided to ignore the order. They bravely went into the dangerous area.
They worked hard and managed to put out the fire. They stopped it before it reached the gunpowder. Thanks to their efforts, no one died, and no more property was lost. This saved many wooden homes and businesses in Ponce from being destroyed. The city and Puerto Rico honored them many times for their success.
What Does the Monument Look Like?
The monument we see today was built in 1948. It replaced an older monument that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1918. The new obelisk was put up by a city group. This monument is different from another one built in 1911 at the Cementerio Civil de Ponce (Ponce Civil Cemetery), which also honors the same heroes.
The obelisk has four sides, and each side has a special plaque.
Messages on the Monument's Plaques
- The plaque facing East thanks the heroes. It says the people of Ponce are grateful to the eight brave citizens who risked their lives to fight the fire. It also mentions the date, January 25, 1948, which was 49 years after the fire.
- The North-facing plaque lists the names of the eight heroes. It calls them the "Heroes of the Labor."
- The Western-facing plaque explains where the fire happened. It says the disaster took place where Roosevelt School now stands. It also lists the streets that border that block: Comercio, Salud, Cristina, and Trujillo.
- The plaque facing South lists the names of the people who helped build the monument. They were Jaime L. Drew, Antonio Arias, and Antonio Mirabal.
