One of the best known characters in Mexican history is, without a doubt, Ignacio Allende, the precursor of the Mexican War of Independence. If you want to know more about his life and what he did to become nationally known, keep reading these lines.

Biography of Ignacio Allende

Ignacio Allende was born on January 21, 1769 in Guanajuato, one of the most populated cities in Mexico today. His father, of Spanish origin, and his mother, were dedicated to agriculture and commerce.

During his studies in his youth, he met the Aldama brothers, who also became famous for being in the same military circle as Allende. As an adult he became even more interested in the military and the world of arms, which led him to join the army in 1795.

Ignacio Allende was able to form a family: he married María de la Luz Agustina de las Fuentes and had three children with her: Indalecio, José Guadalupe and Juana María.

Ignacio Allende would end up sympathizing with the independence movement in 1806, participating in conspiracies against the Viceroyalty Government, among other events.

One of the first conspiracies in which he participated along with José Mariano Michelena and José María Obeso, was forged in 1808 in Valladolid. It was planned to start the War of Independence, but it failed when it was discovered. Eventually his predecessors were arrested and Allende managed to escape.

It was on September 16, 1810, specifically in Villa de Dolores along with Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla among others, where the uprising against the Spaniards took place. After the resignation of Miguel Hidalgo, Ignacio Allende was named Generalissimo. Unfortunately for Allende, he was betrayed by Elizondo after a trip around the country and was imprisoned in Coahuila.

After his execution in 1811, his head was paraded around the city and hung from one of the corners of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. 10 years passed before his head was ordered to be lowered and a burial with honors was organized.

Independence and Allende

Ignacio Allende became one of the best known revolutionary icons during the Mexican War of Independence. He held many positions, each one more important in the military field and according to the writings, he organized his army of more than 40,000 men in an exemplary manner.

He is considered one of the first precursors of the independence movement. In Chihuahua, specifically in the month of May, he was tried for insurgency and condemned to death in June 1811.

To remember the importance of the military man Ignacio Allende for Mexican independence, there are several statues and monuments in his honor throughout the country. You can even visit the crypt of the Independence Column in Mexico City, where his remains rest, to pay tribute to him.