Chimaltenango, Guatemala — Central America
José Simeon Cañas
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, February 18, 2017
1. José Simeon Cañas Marker
Jose Simeon Cañas
Chimaltenango a su
egregio diputado padre
de la abolición de la
esclavitud en Centro
America, en dic. de 1823
1957
Chimaltenango to its outstanding Congressman,
Father of the abolition of slavery in Central America, in December, 1823
1957
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Abolition & Underground RR. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1823.
Location. 14° 39.666′ N, 90° 49.166′ W. Marker is in Chimaltenango. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Calle Real and 1a Avenida. The marker is roughly in the center of the Central Park of Chimaltenango. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Calle, Chimaltenango 04001, Guatemala. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chimaltenango Memorial to the Victims of Guatemala's Armed Conflict (a few steps from this marker); General Justo Rufino Barrios (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Sebastian Catholic Church of El Tejar (approx. 3.5 kilometers
this page online
Regarding José Simeon Cañas. Dr. José Simeón Cañas y Villacorta was a leader in the independence of El Salvador and Central America. He was born in the El Centro neighborhood of the city of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador, on February 18, 1767. In order to properly educate his children, he moved to Guatemala. He held the post of Rector of the Royal and Pontifical University of San Carlos in Guatemala. On December 31, 1823, he proposed to the National Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of Central America that the abolition of slavery be decreed, advocating for the equality of men. Father Cañas died on March 4, 1838, and his remains were buried
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, February 18, 2017
2. José Simeon Cañas Marker
To the left of the marker are some mayan glyphs of unknown meaning. A portion of the Chimaltenango Departmental Government headquarters can be seen to the right.
The first private university founded in El Salvador in 1965, the Central American University "José Simeón Cañas" (UCA), took its name in recognition of his liberation of the slaves of Central America. Adapted from Wikipedia
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 136 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
