Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811), Mexican priest and revolutionary, educated at Valladolid (now Morelia, Mexico). In 1778 he was ordained a priest and in 1803 was given charge of the parish of Dolores, in Guanajuato. He worked to improve the economic conditions of his parishioners, mostly Native Americans, by teaching them to cultivate vineyards and operate small industries such as brickmaking. In 1809 Hidalgo joined a secret society dedicated to freeing Mexico from the oppression of the Spanish colonial government. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo, carrying a banner depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, proclaimed a crusade and was joined by thousands of Mexicans. He captured the towns of Guanajuato and Guadalajara in October. Although he had the advantage, Hidalgo failed to march on Mexico City. On January 11, 1811, his army was completely routed near Guadalajara by a small force of Spanish soldiers. Hidalgo fled north, but he was captured and shot. After the establishment of the Mexican republic in 1824, the priest was regarded almost as a saint. The state of Hidalgo was named for him, and the town of Dolores became Dolores Hidalgo. September 16, the day on which he proclaimed his revolt, is celebrated as Independence Day.