Rafael Yglesias Castro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael Yglesias Castro
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| 16th President of Costa Rica | |
| In office 8 May 1894 – 8 May 1902 |
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| Preceded by | José Joaquín Rodríguez |
| Succeeded by | Ascensión Esquivel Ibarra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 April 1861 San José, Costa Rica |
| Died | 10 April 1924 (aged 62) San José, Costa Rica |
| Political party | Civil |
| Spouses | Rosa Banuet Ross, Manuela Petronila de la Trinidad Rodríguez Alvarado |
| Occupation | Politician |
Rafael Anselmo José Yglesias Castro (born April 18, 1861 – died April 10, 1924) was an important leader in Costa Rica. He served as the President of Costa Rica for two terms. He was president from 1894 to 1902.
About Rafael Yglesias Castro
Rafael Yglesias Castro was born in San José, Costa Rica. His parents were Demetrio Yglesias Llorente and Eudoxia Castro Fernandez. His grandfather, José María Castro Madriz, was also a president of Costa Rica. He was known as the "Founder of the Republic."
Rafael traveled to the United States and Europe to continue his education. He also started studying law at the University of Santo Tomas. However, he could not finish his studies. This was because his family had money problems at the time. He then tried working in business, but it was not very successful for him.
He first married Rosa Banuet Ross. They had two daughters named Berta and Rosa. Later, he married Manuela Petronila de la Trinidad Rodríguez Alvarado. She was the daughter of another president, José Joaquín Rodríguez Zeledón. Rafael and Manuela had eleven children together.
Before becoming president, Rafael Yglesias served as the Minister of War from 1890 to 1894. This role involved overseeing the country's military.
His Time as President
In 1894, Rafael Yglesias was elected president when he was 33 years old. Many people voted for him, showing great support. After he was elected, he visited Paris and London. He even met Queen Victoria in England. He was very impressed by the new technologies he saw in Europe. He decided he wanted to bring these modern ideas back to Costa Rica.
He worked hard to make Costa Rica more modern. Here are some of the things he did:
- He finished building the National Theater in San José. This beautiful building is still a famous landmark today. He attended its first show, an opera called Faust.
- He made the colon the official money of Costa Rica. He also put Costa Rica on the gold standard. This helped make the country's money more stable.
- He completed the railway that connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. This was a big project that helped with trade and travel.
- He developed the coastal town of Puerto Limon. He also created a sanitation department there to improve public health.
- He oversaw the building of an electric tram in the city. He also brought electricity to the city of Heredia.
- He created a special house for young people who needed guidance. This was a "house of correction for minors."
- He made changes to education. He wanted textbooks to be written by Costa Rican citizens. He also believed strongly in public education. In 1897, he started a school for the arts called the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Rafael Yglesias was the first president to send a scientific trip to Isla del Coco. He learned about its rich natural resources. He then closed the prison colony that was there. He declared the island a nature preserve to protect its environment.
He also improved health care. He set up a system for emergency health care in different parts of the country. In 1895, a board of doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists was created. In 1902, he established the pharmaceutical college. This helped train people in medicine and pharmacy.
Rafael Yglesias tried to change the constitution to be president for a third time, but he was not successful. He ran for president again in 1909 and 1913, but he did not win.
Later Life and Legacy
Even after his presidency, Rafael Yglesias stayed involved in politics. In 1919, he served as an Ambassador to Guatemala. This means he represented Costa Rica in that country.
Rafael Yglesias Castro passed away in San José in 1924. He was buried in the Cementerio General de San Jose.
In 1981, he was given the honor of "Benemerito de la Patria." This title means "Distinguished Citizen of the Homeland." It recognized his many years of service to Costa Rica.
For many years, Rafael Yglesias's picture was on the 5 colones paper money in Costa Rica. This special edition was first printed in 1968.
See also
In Spanish: Rafael Iglesias Castro para niños
