Marcos Escobedo

Military career

In 1808, Escobedo held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Spanish army and served as governor of the Tlaxcala neighborhood. On November 1, 1808, he declared support for Mexican independence, joining forces with priest Pablo José Calvillo and indigenous garrisons under Miguel Hidalgo. He fought at the Battle of the Bridge of Calderón in January 1811, where his troops suffered heavy losses. Returning to Colotlán, they engaged royalist forces under Francisco del Real, Juan Lozano, and Sebastián Gallegos.

Later that month, they battled the royalist priest Álvarez, known as "El Chicharronero," at Las Canoas. In April 1811, Escobedo's troops were defeated by Colonel Pedro Celestino Negrete at the Battle of Tierra Blanca, after which he went into hiding for several years. He reemerged in 1817, fighting in San Andrés, Chalchihuites, and Huejuquilla, securing the region for the independence cause. He then united with armies from Tlaltenango and Jerez to campaign against Bolaños and Tepic.

Did You Know?

• On September 27, 1820, Escobedo organized festivities in Colotlán to celebrate Mexican independence.
• As mayor, he was tasked with subjugating indigenous groups opposing the distribution of communal lands.