Próspero Fernández Oreamuno facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Próspero Fernández Oreamuno
President of Costa Rica
In office 10 August 1882 – 12 March 1885
Preceded by	Saturnino Lizano Gutiérrez
Succeeded by	Bernardo Soto
Personal details
Born	18 July 1834 San José
Died	12 March 1885 (aged 50) Atenas

Próspero Fernández Oreamuno (born July 18, 1834, died March 12, 1885) was a very important leader in Costa Rica. He served as the President of Costa Rica from 1882 to 1885.

Becoming President of Costa Rica

Próspero Fernández Oreamuno first studied philosophy at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. After his studies, he chose a career in the military.

Military Service and Rise to Power

He fought bravely in a war from 1856 to 1857 against a person named William Walker. Later, in 1870, he was part of a military action that changed the government. This action removed Jesús Jiménez from power.

Fernández Oreamuno was married to the sister of Tomás Guardia, who later became president. Under President Guardia's government, Próspero Fernández was given important roles. He became the commander of the military base in Alajuela and was promoted to the rank of Major General.

Election and Presidency

In 1882, Próspero Fernández Oreamuno was chosen to become the next president, following Tomás Guardia. He served as president until 1885.

Key Changes During His Presidency

As president, Próspero Fernández Oreamuno made several big changes. Many of these changes aimed to reduce the power of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.

New Laws and Policies

He ended an agreement with the Holy See (the main authority of the Catholic Church). He also asked the Jesuits and the bishop of Costa Rica to leave the country.

In 1884, new laws were passed. These laws put cemeteries under the control of the government. They also introduced civil marriage, which means people could get married by the government, not just the church. Divorce also became legal during his time.

Important Government Figures

A very powerful person in his government was his brother-in-law, José María Castro Madriz. Castro Madriz had also been a president before. He served as a minister for many important areas, including foreign affairs, education, and justice.

Building the Railway and Economic Deals

During his time as president, there was a big project to build a railway. This railway would connect the country to the Caribbean port of Limón.

Railway Construction and Land Deal

The government had some financial problems with Minor C. Keith, who was building the railway. To solve this, a deal was made. Cabinet minister Bernardo Soto signed an agreement that gave Keith a lot of land.

Keith received 800,000 acres (about 3,200 square kilometers) of land along the railway. This land was also tax-free. He also got a 99-year lease to operate the train route. Keith later used this land and his control of the railway to start a very successful banana business. This business eventually became part of the United Fruit Company.

End of His Presidency

President Fernández Oreamuno passed away while he was still in office. This happened shortly after he declared war on Guatemala. Guatemala, led by Gen. Justo Rufino Barrios, was trying to reunite the countries that used to be part of the United Provinces of Central America.

Honoring His Legacy

Today, a major road in Costa Rica is named in his honor. National Highway CR-27, which connects the capital city of San José to the Pacific coast port of Caldera, carries his name.

See also

In Spanish: Próspero Fernández Oreamuno para niños