José Cecilio del Valle 221954 206665174 2008-04-19T10:24:38Z Monegasque 4357109 [[Image:José Cecilio del Valle.jpg|thumb|'''José Cecilio del Valle''']] '''José Cecilio del Valle''' ([[November 22]], [[1780]] – [[March 2]], [[1834]]) was a leader of Central American independence and the first [[president]] of [[Federal Republic of Central America|United Provinces of Central America]]. José Cecilio del Valle was born in [[Choluteca, Choluteca|Choluteca]], [[Honduras]]. In his youth he moved to [[Guatemala City]], where he later studied [[philosophy]] and [[law]] at the [[Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala|Universidad de San Carlos]]. He was admitted to the bar on [[September 1]], [[1803]]. He became known for his well reasoned arguments and decisions and was nicknamed "El Sabio" ("The Wise"). Valle was appointed a [[judge]] in [[1806]], and became a professor at San Carlos in [[1812]]. Valle authored the [[Central American Declaration of Independence]], declared on [[15 September]] [[1821]]. Central America was soon afterwards annexed to the [[Mexican Empire]] of [[Agustín de Iturbide]], and Valle was for a time imprisoned. From February 23 to [[March 19]], [[1823]] he was foreign minister of the Mexican Empire. When Mexico was declared a republic, he was instrumental in getting Mexico to recognize Central American independence, which was again achieved in June [[1823]]. Valle was one of the drafters of the new nation's constitution (which notably abolished [[slavery]] somewhat in advance of the international community). He served as president of the congress, then was elected the first constitutional president of the United Provinces of Central America, serving until April [[1825]]. His death in 1834 was marked by national mourning and bells tolling throughout the Republic, as he was one of the few prominent figures respected by Liberals and Conservatives alike. The Honduran Government awards a medal for distinguished service named in his honor, and there is a University named after him in [[Tegucigalpa]]. ==See also== *[[History of Central America]] {{start box}} {{succession box|title=[[United Provinces of Central America#Presidents|President of Central America]]|before=''(none)''|after=[[Manuel José Arce]]|years=1823–1825}} {{end box}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Valle, Jose Cecilo del}} [[Category:1780 births]] [[Category:1834 deaths]] [[Category:Honduran politicians]] [[es:José Cecilio del Valle]]