José Antonio Anzoátegui

José Antonio Anzoátegui
Born	14 November 1789 Barcelona, Captaincy General of Venezuela
Died	15 November 1819 Pamplona, New Granada
Allegiance	Venezuela
Years of service	1810–1819
Rank	General de Division
Commands held	Rearguard Division
Battles/wars	Battle of Vargas Swamp Battle of Boyaca

José Antonio Anzoátegui (1789–1819) was a Venezuelan military officer who fought in the Venezuelan and Colombian Wars of Independence.

In the Battle of Boyacá, helping to lead a republican army of Colombians and Venezuelans against Spanish royalist forces during the Venezuelan War of Independence. He is celebrated as a hero of independence, and the state of Anzoátegui was named for him.

Early life and military beginnings

José Antonio Anzoátegui was born on November 14, 1789, in Barcelona, Venezuela, to Juana Petronila Hernández and José Antonio Anzoátegui. He was destined to play a pivotal role in his nation's struggle for independence.

Role in Venezuelan independence

Anzoátegui joined the pro-independence movement early, becoming an officer in the Venezuelan Emancipating Army in 1810. His leadership and military skills quickly became apparent. He was recognized as one of the most distinguished officers of the liberating army of Venezuela, holding the position of Chief of the Guard of Honor of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence.

New Granadan Liberation Campaign

Main article: Bolívar's campaign to liberate New Granada

On 26 May 1819, Anzoátegui marched with Bolivar from the Apure Region in Venezuela to the Casanare Province in New Granada to join up with General Francisco de Paula Santander who had been sent there in 1818 to build an army for a military campaign to invade central New Granada and capture the capital of Santa Fe in order to free it from Spanish control. The two armies met in the town of Tame, on 15 June Bolivar began to organize this army which would be known as Ejército Libertador de Nueva Granada y Venezuela (English: Liberation Army of New Granada and Venezuela) he named Anzoátegui as the commander of the rearguard division of the army with his cief-of-staff within the division would be the young Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria Cordova.

His most notable military achievement during the campaign was his role in the Battle of Boyacá. As a Venezuelan brigadier general, he led a republican army composed of Colombians and Venezuelans against the Spanish royalist forces. This battle was crucial in the Venezuelan War of Independence, marking a turning point in the struggle against Spanish colonial rule.

Death and enduring influence

After the battle of Boyaca, Bolivar named him commander of the Army of the North which would be formed in Cucuta. While traveling there Anzoátegui became gravely ill died and died en-route on November 15, 1819, in the town of Pamplona, Colombia. His death came at a relatively young age. When news of his death reached the capital of New Granada the authorities decreed a state of mourning for 8 days. Upon hearing of his death Bolivar noted: '"It is difficult replace with dignity a commander like Anzoátegui ."

Legacy and honors

Anzoátegui's dedication to the cause of independence was not only significant in terms of military victories but also in shaping the future of Venezuela. His contributions alongside notable figures like Simón Bolívar and José Antonio Páez were instrumental in securing Venezuelan independence. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui was named in his honor, immortalizing his legacy as a hero of independence.

José Antonio Anzoátegui monument in Bogota, Colombia

See also

• Anzoátegui