Ricardo de Ortega y Diez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ricardo de Ortega y Diez
143rd, 145th & 147th Governor-general of Puerto Rico
In office 1898–1898
Preceded by	Sabas Marín González; Andrés González Muñoz; Manuel Macías Casado
Succeeded by	Andrés González Muñoz; Manuel Macías Casado; Nelson A. Miles
Personal details
Born	10 August 1838 Madrid, Spain
Died	3 December 1917 Madrid, Spain
Profession	General, Governor-General of Puerto Rico

Ricardo de Ortega y Diez (born August 10, 1838 – died December 3, 1917) was a Spanish general. He was an important military leader. He served as the temporary Governor-General of Puerto Rico three times. This happened during the Spanish–American War. He held many other important jobs too. Ricardo was born in Madrid, Spain. He went to a military school called Colegio de Infantería. He became a sub-lieutenant when he was just 17 years old.

Early Military Career

Ricardo de Ortega y Diez started his military career early. From 1859 to 1860, he served in Africa. During this time, he earned the rank of captain.

Rising Through the Ranks

On May 24, 1873, Ricardo de Ortega y Diez became a lieutenant general. He took part in several battles against a group called the Carlists. In the early 1880s, he was in charge of the Central Shooting School. He even invented a special quick loader for rifles in 1889.

Important Roles and Puerto Rico

In 1892, Ricardo de Ortega y Diez became a division general. The next year, he went back to Africa. There, he worked with the local tribes in Melilla.

Governor of San Juan

In 1895, he served as the Military Governor of Madrid. On February 19, 1896, he was given a new role. He became the second corporal of the Capitanía General of Puerto Rico. He also became the Military Governor of San Juan.

The Colonial Clock Story

There is a famous story about Ricardo de Ortega y Diez. In 1898, the United States was about to take control of Puerto Rico. This happened after the Spanish-American War. The story says that Ricardo de Ortega, who was the last Spanish governor, broke a special colonial clock with his sword. This act was meant to mark the exact moment Spain lost control of the island. It also showed the loss of Spain's last possession in the Americas. This historic clock is still kept in La Fortaleza, a famous building in Puerto Rico.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Spanish–American War, Ricardo de Ortega y Diez continued his military service. In 1901, he received the rank of lieutenant general.

Retirement and Death

In 1903, he became the Captain General of the Balearic Islands. He held this important position until 1910. That year, he retired from the military after 54 years of service. Ricardo de Ortega y Diez passed away in Madrid, Spain, on December 3, 1917.

See also

In Spanish: Ricardo de Ortega y Díez para niños