A fateful day in history
On April 7, 1817, the city of Barcelona of Venezuela became the scene of a brutal massacre, when Spanish colonial forces attacked with unusual violence. In an attack that left an indelible imprint on collective memory, 200 volunteers from the liberty army and thousands of unarmed civilians lost their lives.
Simon Bolívar’s reaction
Shortly before this tragic event, Simón Bolívar had perceived the movement of Spanish troops and ordered the fortification of an old Franciscan mission in the city center, hoping to resist a possible attack. Despite their precautions, the colonial forces, led by Colonel Aldama and Morales, carried out a relentless offensive.
L’Essalt to the strong house
The mission known as Casa Fuerte was the scene of one of the most bloody killings of the War of Independence. Spanish troops, following the orders of Captain General Salvador de Moxó y Quadrado, killed all who sought to defend themselves, as well as those civilians who had taken refuge inside.
The fate of the defenders
Irish Charles Chamberlain, appointed military chief by General Bolivar, was the subject of controversy after his death. While the official version argued that he committed suicide to avoid being captured, other historians argue that he was assassinated. His colleagues, Pedro María Freites of the Bastardo and the doctor Francisco Esteban Rivas, were captured and later executed.
Origins of Barcelona of Venezuela
Founded in 1635 by Joan Orpí, a Catalan negotant, Barcelona of Venezuela was conceived as a private colony under the model of the colonial powers of the time. Orpí acquired land around the mouth of the Orinoco River and established two key cities: New Tarragona and New Barcelona, which would later be known as Barcelona in Venezuela.
Confiscation and name change
In 1640, the war of separation of Catalonia provoked an energetic reaction from the Hispanic authorities, who feared that the Orpí colony could become a bastion of Catalan independence. Thus, the colony was confiscated and renamed Nueva Andalucía, marking a significant change in its history.
Reflections on historical memory
The impact of these events is still meaningful on the region, and the commemoration of these historical events reminds us of the struggle for freedom and dignity. The Barcelona de Venezuela massacre is a testament to the tragic consequences of war and a reminder of the importance of historical memory in the construction of a better future.