Pancha Carrasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pancha Carrasco
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Painting of Pancha Carrasco around 1880.
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| Born |
Francisca Carrasco Jiménez
8 April 1816 |
| Died | 31 December 1890 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | Costa Rican |
| Known for | First Costa Rican woman in military |
| Spouse(s) | Juan Solano, Gil Zúñiga |
| Parent(s) | Jose Francisco Carrasco and Maria Jiménez |
Pancha Carrasco (born Francisca Carrasco Jiménez; April 8, 1816 – December 31, 1890) was a very brave woman from Costa Rica. She is known as the first woman in Costa Rica's military.
Pancha Carrasco became famous for her actions during the Battle of Rivas in 1856. She joined the soldiers fighting with a rifle and bullets. Her courage and strength made her a national hero. Later, she was honored with a postage stamp and a Coast Guard ship named after her. There is also an award for police women named in her honor.
Pancha Carrasco's Life Story
Francisca Carrasco Jiménez was born on April 8, 1816, in Cartago, Costa Rica. Her parents were Jose Francisco Carrasco and Maria Jiménez. She came from a family with mixed American, African, and European backgrounds. Pancha was married twice, first to Juan Solano in 1834, and later to Gil Zúñiga.
Joining the Fight
In 1856, when Pancha was 40 years old, an American adventurer named William Walker and his group, called filibusteros, invaded Costa Rica. Pancha decided to help her country.
She volunteered to work as a cook and a medic for the army. But she wanted to do more than just cook and help the wounded. During the Battle of Rivas, she filled her apron pockets with bullets. She then grabbed a rifle and joined the soldiers on the battlefield. This made her the first woman in Costa Rica's military history.
Honoring a Hero
Pancha Carrasco's bravery and strong will became a symbol of national pride for Costa Rica. Her actions showed great courage and determination.
Special Honors
Many years later, Costa Rica honored her in several ways:
- In 1984, a special Costa Rican postage stamp was made with her picture on it.
- The Costa Rican Security Ministry created the "Pancha Carrasco Police Women's Excellence Award." This award recognizes outstanding women in the police force.
- A former U.S. Coast Guard ship, the Point Bridge, was given to Costa Rica in 2001. It was renamed Pancha Carrasco to honor her.
