Gabino Gaínza
Gabino Gaínza | |
|---|---|
| 1st Captain General of Central America | |
| In office 5 January 1822 – 23 June 1822 | |
| Monarch | Agustín I |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Vicente Filísola |
| 1st Political Chief of Central America | |
| In office 15 September 1821 – 5 January 1822 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Captain General of Guatemala | |
| In office 9 March 1821 – 15 September 1821 | |
| Preceded by | Carlos Luis de Urrutia |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Captain General of Chile | |
| In office 19 July 1814 – 26 December 1814 | |
| Preceded by | Juan Francisco Sánchez |
| Succeeded by | Mariano Osorio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gabino Crispín Gaínza Fernández de Medrano 20 October 1753 |
| Died | 1829 (aged 75–76) |
| Occupation | Military and political |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Army of Spain |
| Rank | Major General, Brigadier of the Royal Armies, Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Independent Ruler of Central America |
Gabino Crispín Gaínza Fernández de Medrano (20 October 1753 – 1829) was a Spanish military officer, knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and prominent politician in Spain's American colonies. He supported and declared independence on 15 September 1821 in the Kingdom (Captaincy General) of Guatemala, becoming the first ruler or president "jefe político superior" of a united and independent Central America extending from Soconusco (in Chiapas) through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica; leader of the Consultive Junta of Guatemala until its dissolution on 21 February 1822. During the Latin American wars of independence, he initially fought on the royalist side in Chile, becoming Royal Governor (Captain General) of Chile. He then became the last Captain General in the Kingdom of Guatemala on behalf of the King of Spain. After independence and the annexation to Mexico, he became the 1st Captain General of Central America on behalf of the Emperor of Mexico.