Zona 14 in Ciudad de Guatemala in Guatemala Department, — Central America

Antonio José de Irisarri

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, January 10, 2025

1. Antonio José de Irisarri Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Al ilustre hijo de Guatemala
que mostro generoso talento
y ardoroso patriotismo,
por la noble causa de la Independencia de Chile.

Al procer que unio dos pueblos
en la historia americana.

Al merito y la virtud
ciudadana de
Don Antonio Jose de Irisarri

Guatemala, 18 Sept. 1982

English translation:
To the illustrious son of Guatemala
that showed generous talent and
a burning patriotism
for the noble cause of Chilean Independence.

To the founding father that joined two countries
in the history of the Americas.

To the merit and virtue of the citizen,
Antonio José de Irisarri

Guatemala, September 18, 1982

Erected 1982.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Patriots & Patriotism • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is September 18, 1982.

Location. 14° 35.463′ N, 90° 31.137′ W. Memorial is in Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala

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(Guatemala Department). It is in Zona 14. It is on Avenida Las Americas just south of 4a Calle, in the median. The marker and monument are along the walking trail on Avenida Las Americas, near the intersection with 4a Calle in Zona 10, Guatemala City. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala 01013, Guatemala. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in North America,

specifically in Central America,

in Mesoamerica,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

and in the Western Hemisphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also a Spanish colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Simón Bolívar (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); General Francisco de Paula Santander (about 240 meters away); José Cecilio del Valle (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Monument to the Indigenous People of Guatemala (approx. half a kilometer away); General José de San Martín (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Bicentenario de Guatemala (approx. 0.6 kilometers away); Guatemalan Air Force Memorial (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Benito Juárez (approx. 0.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ciudad de Guatemala.

Regarding Antonio José de Irisarri. Antonio José de Irisarri Alonso (Guatemala City, February 7, 1786 – New York City, June 10, 1868) was a Guatemalan statesman, journalist, and politician. His tumultuous life is a reflection of the independence movement in Central and South America.
Born in Guatemala City, he studied there and in Europe, from whence he was recalled back to Guatemala after the death of his father in 1805. In 1809 he visited

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 6, 2016

2. Antonio José de Irisarri Marker

Chile, and having married Mercedes Trucíos y Larraín, an heiress there, took up his residence in that country and joined with enthusiasm the movement for Chilean independence in 1810. He had important public offices during the struggle, including the command of the National Guard and the civil and military government of the province of Santiago. From March 7-14, 1814, he was temporarily the leader of the nation.

In 1818 he was appointed Minister of Government and Foreign Affairs by Bernardo O'Higgins, and in October of the same year he went to Buenos Aires as minister. At the end of 1819 he was sent to Europe to negotiate the recognition of Chilean Independence by England and France (which he was not able to obtain.) He returned to Guatemala in 1828 and was named Minister of War and was put in charge of troop training. While fighting against El Salvador and Honduras he was captured and escaped back to Guatemala. He continued to represent Chile, and in 1837 was named Ambassador to Peru and private adviser to Admiral Manuel Blanco during the War of the Confederation. After the Chilean army was forced to sign the Treaty of Paucarpata on November 17, 1837, he was tried in absentia for high treason, and sentenced to death. Irisarri wisely never returned to Chile. He returned again to Guatemala.

He was minister of Guatemala and El Salvador to Ecuador from 1839 until 1845,

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, January 10, 2025

3. Antonio José de Irisarri Marker

and in 1846-1848 to Colombia. In 1850 he was sent as Ambassador to the United States, where he resided until his death. Irisarri continued his literary work in the United States, and was generally esteemed for his knowledge, genial character, and polished manners. He died in Brooklyn, New York, on June 10, 1868. Adapted from Wikipedia.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 6, 2016

4. Antonio José de Irisarri Marker

Antonio José de Irisarri additional monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, December 19, 2014

5. Antonio José de Irisarri additional monument

Further to the north, Avenida Las Americas turns into Avenida Reforma in Zone 9 of Guatemala City. Between 13a and 14a Calles is this earlier, additional bust and marker of Irisarri. Its marker reads: A Don Antonio Jose de Irisarri, 8 febrero 1786 - 10 junio 1868.

This monument celebrated the 100th anniversary of Irisarri's death and the return of his remains from the United States to Guatemala. The bust was by Rodolfo Galeotti Torres.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 665 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 26, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on October 7, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 26, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on October 7, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.