Carlos José Belgrano

Carlos José Belgrano (1761-1814) was an officer of the Argentine army. He had an outstanding participation in the defense and reconquest of Buenos Aires during the English invasions.

Biography
Belgrano was born in 1761 in Buenos Aires, the second child of the marriage of Domingo Belgrano, born in Oneglia (Italy) and María Josefa González Casero, belonging to a distinguished family of Creole origin. He began his military career at an early age, serving as Alférez of the Dragons Regiment of Buenos Aires in 1783.

In 1793, Belgrano was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1795 he was appointed an Edecán of the Viceroy Pedro Melo de Portugal. He also served as military Commander of the port of Tigre, and commander of San Fernando and Las Conchas (Buenos Aires).

Belgrano had a long career in the Milicias de Frontera, serving as Ayudante mayor in the Asamblea de Caballería and in the Regimiento de Voluntarios de Caballería de la Frontera of Buenos Aires.

He fought with great heroism during the British invasions of the River Plate, being distinguished by the Junta Suprema de España e Indias, with the degree of Captain on January 12, 1809.

In 1806, Carlos José Belgrano was married to María Josefa Sánchez González, daughter of Manuel Sánchez Vásquez, born in La Coruña and Micaela González Casero, born in the city.