Francisco Ramírez Medina
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Francisco Ramírez Medina (born c.1828 in Puerto Rico) is the only person to be named "President of the Republic of Puerto Rico".
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[edit] El Grito de Lares (The Cry of Lares)
History has little to say about Ramírez Medina and his personal life; what is known however, is that he was a fervent believer in the independence movement of Puerto Rico. The movement was initially started and planned by Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis against the Government of Spain which then ruled the island. Manuel Rojas, Mariana Bracetti and Mathias Brugman joined them by forming revolutionary cells in the island. Francisco Ramirez Medina amongst others also joined the movement.
[edit] Declaration of Independence
On September 28, 1868, Manuel Rojas and his men captured the town of Lares. This event became known as "El Grito de Lares", Puerto Rico's call for independence. After this victory, Manuel Rojas and his men declared Puerto Rico a free Republic and appointed Government officials as follows:
- Francisco Ramírez Medina, President
- Aurelio Méndez, Minister of the Interior
- Manuel Ramírez, Minister of State
- Celedonio Abril, Minister of the Treasury
- Federico Valencia, Minister of War
- Clemente Millán, Minister of Justice
- Bernabé Poll, Secretary to the President
- Manuel Rojas, Commander in Chief of the Liberation Army
[edit] Confrontation at San Sebastián
The rebel forces then departed to take over the next town, San Sebastián del Pepino. The Spanish militia, however, surprised the group with strong resistance, causing great confusion among the armed rebels who, led by Manuel Rojas, retreated back to Lares. Upon an order from the governor, Julián Pavía, the Spanish militia soon rounded up the rebels. All of the survivors were imprisoned in Arecibo. Francisco Ramírez Medina was among the captured and may have been executed for treason. His exact fate, however is unknown.
[edit] Legacy
There's a street in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico called Presidente Ramírez in his honor.
