Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección in Ciudad de México, Mexico — The Valley of Mexico (The Central Highlands)
The Altar of the Nation
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 9, 2017
1. The Altar of the Nation Marker
Alberga los restos de los Niños Héroes y del Coronel Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl.
“A los defensores de la Patria 1846-1847”
It is the final resting place of the remains of the Children Heroes and of Coronel Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl.
“To the Defenders of the Nation 1846-1847”
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Mexican-American.
Location. 19° 25.299′ N, 99° 10.734′ W. Marker is in Ciudad de México. It is in Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec I Sección. Memorial is on Avenida Juventud Heróica, on the left when traveling west. The marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Museum of Modern Art (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bridge of the Lions (within shouting distance of this marker); Causeway of the Heroic Military College (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Site Museum of Chapultepec (about 150 meters away); Monument to the Children Heroes of 1847 (about 210 meters away); Chapultepec Hill (about 210 meters away); Obelisk of the Children Heroes (about 210 meters away); Museum of National History (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ciudad de México.
Regarding The Altar of the Nation. There are many of these types of monuments throughout Mexico that give tribute to the six "Children Heroes" (Niños Héroes), the Mexican military cadets that faced U.S. troops during the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847 during the Mexican-American War and died. This is the largest and most famous of monuments to them. Their remains, as well as the remains of Colonel Xiconténcatl, are entombed in the monument. Of the 400 defenders of the Castle of Chapultepec, only 20 left alive.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 9, 2017
2. The Altar of the Nation Marker
The marker is far to the left in this view of the monument in the distance.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 9, 2017
3. The Altar of the Nation
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 9, 2017
4. "A los Defensores de la Patria"
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 9, 2017
5. The Tomb at the Altar of the Nation
Just behind the central statue of the monument are the collective tombs of the remains of the Children Heroes and Colonel Xiconténcatl. Normally it is not possible to come close to the area of the tombs, so unfortunately this photo is not very clear. However, its inscription reads:
16 de septiembre de 1847
Teniente Juan de la Barrera
Alumnos
Juan Escutia · Agustin Melgar · Francisco Marquez · Fernando Montes de Oca · Vicente Suarez
Colonel Felipe Xicontencatl
Comandante del Batallon de San Blas
Teniente Juan de la Barrera
Alumnos
Juan Escutia · Agustin Melgar · Francisco Marquez · Fernando Montes de Oca · Vicente Suarez
Colonel Felipe Xicontencatl
Comandante del Batallon de San Blas
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 21, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
