On March 3, 1857, the illustrious Admiral Guillermo Brown, an emblematic figure of Argentine naval history, passed away. Born in Ireland on June 22, 1777, he arrived at the coast of the River Plate in 1809 and stood out in the defense against Spanish rule. His life was marked by his love for the sea and his dedication to the service of his adopted homeland.
At the age of 9 he emigrated to Philadelphia with his father and, after being orphaned, he embarked under the orders of an American captain, thus awakening his maritime passion. In 1809, he arrived in the estuary of the River Plate and settled in Montevideo, dedicating himself to trade and transportation between Buenos Aires and the Colony.
In 1814 Brown was appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of the Squadron, that appointment marked the beginning of the glorious destiny of our Navy and of the man who would be, from that moment on and forever, the immortal Admiral.
Brown led the capture of Martín García and participated in crucial battles such as El Buceo, Arroyo de la China and Montevideo, which ensured the patriot dominion in the southern waters of the continent. Between 1815 and 1816 he undertook a campaign in the waters of Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, where he carried the ideas of freedom of the May Revolution to those regions and was a precursor of the liberating deed that San Martin would carry out.
In 1825, he demonstrated his ingenuity and bravery by forming a new squadron to confront the Brazilian Empire, defending the borders for more than three years in battles such as Los Pozos, Sarandí, Quilmes, Juncal and Monte Santiago.
Throughout his life, Brown was requested on several occasions to intervene in naval actions aimed at protecting Argentine waters from foreign powers, demonstrating time and again his commitment to the patriotic cause.
His ethical and moral greatness stood out in a difficult period of Argentine history, facing internal divisions, a powerful enemy and material shortages. "Go to the bottom rather than surrender the flag" was his motto, and his actions in combat, as in Quilmes, epitomized this unwavering commitment.
He died on March 3, 1857, but his legacy lives on in the Navy he founded. His life, marked by determination, courage and will, is an example of service to the Republic. Brown symbolizes the naval glories of Argentina, and his influence endures in the spirit and values of generations of sailors until today.
The Admiral in the Casa Rosada
In one of the offices on the first floor of the Government Palace, which belongs to Casa Militar, there is a work of art that is part of the Presidency of the Nation Collection. This painting, donated by the Secretary of State of the Navy in 1965, is a tribute to the father of the Argentine Navy, which recalls his leadership and courage, fundamental for the defense of our coasts and the protection of national sovereignty.
