Ignacio Aldama

Early life and career

Born into a prosperous family of hacendados, Aldama studied law at the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico. Finding the legal profession unprofitable in San Miguel el Grande, he turned to commerce and amassed a considerable fortune, which he later used for revolutionary activities. In 1810, at his brother Juan Aldama's invitation, he joined the Querétaro conspiracy and helped organize local support in San Miguel.

Mexican War of Independence

Ignacio Aldama was in Aculco on September 16, 1810, when word of the Grito de Dolores reached him. He quickly returned to San Miguel, where he became both military commander and alcalde of the town council, forming the first insurgent government. In that role, he ended colonial taxes and fees and released indigenous people trapped in debt to haciendas. On September 24, he signed an agreement that acknowledged Hidalgo’s leadership.

Aldama then fought with the Insurgent Army across the Bajío region. After a new provincial government formed in Guadalajara, he helped run its administration and worked on the newspaper El Despertar Americano. Following the royalist victory at the Battle of Calderón Bridge and the insurgents’ retreat north, Ignacio Allende named him an emissary to the United States. Traveling with Friar Juan Salazar and about 100 silver bars, he was to secure money, weapons, and supplies.

The group reached San Antonio de Béjar without much trouble but was captured in early March by royalist forces under José Manuel Zambrano, along with regional insurgent leader Juan Bautista de las Casas. Aldama was taken to Monclova, given a quick military trial, and sentenced to death.

He was executed by firing squad on June 20, 1811, becoming the first major rebel leader killed. While waiting for his execution, he wrote a long manifesto renouncing his role in the revolt. Historians believe this statement of regret may have been forced from him under pressure.

Did You Know?

• Aldama is honored collectively with his brother Juan, with the city of León de Los Aldama in Guanajuato bearing their names.
• The municipality of Los Aldamas in Nuevo León is named after the Aldama brothers.