A 246 años del nacimiento del Libertador General José de San Martín, Padre de la Patria.

Su vida, marcada por su compromiso con la libertad, es un legado que perdura, no solo en la historia argentina, sino también en todo el continente. pic.twitter.com/owqWf7c7j3

— Casa Rosada (@CasaRosada) February 25, 2024

José Francisco de San Martín was born on February 25, 1778 in Yapeyú, currently the Argentine province of Corrientes. He was a key figure in the realization and consolidation of Argentina's political independence and contributed decisively to the independence processes in Chile and Peru. His life, marked by his commitment to freedom, is a legacy that endures, not only in Argentine history, but also in the history of the entire region.

Son of Juan de San Martin and Gregoria Matorras del Ser, he was the youngest of 5 siblings. He began his military career in Spain, where he had resided with his family since 1783, joining the Regiment of Murcia in 1789. His service in the royal army led him to participate in numerous warlike actions, standing out in the famous battle of Bailén against the invading legions of Napoleon I. This achievement earned him the promotion to lieutenant colonel and the decoration with the gold medal.

In 1811, San Martin resigned from the royal army and left for London with the purpose of contributing to the independence of the American countries. His return to Buenos Aires in 1812 marked the beginning of his active participation in the emancipation struggle. In charge of the organization of a cavalry squadron, he laid the foundations for the creation of the Regiment of Horse Grenadiers, which would play a crucial role in future campaigns.

In September 1812 he married Remedios de Escalada, with whom 4 years later he had his daughter Mercedes Tomasa de San Martín.
On February 3, 1813, San Martin won his first victory on American soil by defeating the royalist forces at San Lorenzo. Subsequently, he assumed command of the Army of the North and, after reorganizing and disciplining the troops, embarked on the strategy of continental liberation.

The crossing of the Andes in 1817 was an unprecedented military feat, and the victory at the Battle of Chacabuco paved the way for Chile's independence.

With the Liberating Army of Peru, San Martin landed in Paracas in 1820. His campaign culminated with the liberation of Lima in 1821 and the proclamation of Peruvian independence. He also exercised government functions as Protector of Peru. After a meeting with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil in 1822, he decided to abandon the field of his glory with an exemplary resignation, in order to preserve unity and avoid conflicts.

San Martin returned to Buenos Aires in 1823, but the adverse political climate and misunderstandings led him to go into exile in Europe in 1824, together with his daughter Mercedes. His later life was marked by his defense of democratic principles and his support for the cause of independence. He died on August 17, 1850 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

The legacy of José de San Martín, the Great Captain of American Freedom, transcends borders and eras. His strategic vision, personal selflessness and commitment to freedom make him an icon of Latin American history. His figure, preserved in the mausoleum of the Buenos Aires Cathedral, continues to be an inspiration for generations to come.

Objects of General San Martín in the Casa Rosada

In the Government Palace there are several objects that pay homage to General San Martin. In the White Hall, where the most important events take place, there is a bust sculpted by the Philippine artist Félix Pardo de Tavera.

On the other hand, in the Escalera Francia is located the imposing tapestry of San Martin, a work that was made in the prestigious Manufacture des Gobelins between 1911 and 1914. This tapestry, a tribute to the epic Crossing of the Andes, was a gift from France on the centenary of our independence.

Also, in the anteroom of the Presidential Office there is a painting, a tribute to General San Martin. These objects not only decorate the spaces of the Casa Rosada, but also keep alive the legacy of the Liberator General San Martin, Father of the Nation.