Artigas Day – June 19, 2024

History of Artigas Day

José Gervasio Artigas was born on June 19, 1764, in Montevideo, Uruguay. His father, Martín José Artigas, and his mother, Francisca Antonia Arnal, both came from wealthy families. Artigas had a comfortable and well-off childhood. Fighting for justice and freedom was always in his blood as his grandparents also participated in the War of the Spanish Succession from 1701 to 1715. At age 12, Artigas spent most of his time on his family’s farm in the countryside where he gained knowledge about cattle and farming. He also adapted to the gauchos and Native Indians’ way of life. At age 18, he got involved in cattle smuggling. He slowly distanced himself from his parents, and he eventually became a wanted man by the hacienda owners and the Montevideo government.

When the Anglo-Saxon War broke out in 1792, he was pardoned to join the army. He became a lieutenant in 1797 and started his military career. Determined to redeem himself from past wrongdoings, he proved to be a valuable asset to the team by organizing the gauchos to start a guerilla war against the British. While the British tried to attack for the second time, the local troops defeated them and returned Montevideo to Spanish control. By this time, Artigas was promoted to captain, and he used this power to fight for their independence against Spain. He led all Uruguayan patriots and conquered most of modern-day Uruguay.

Years later, Artigas wanted a federal government in Argentina inspired by the United States, while the Buenos Aires government wanted a centralized control. This political disagreement led to a civil war, which ignited the birth of Uruguay’s nationhood. At the age of 86, Artigas died on September 23, 1850, in Asunción, Paraguay.