María Remedios del Valle: The Afro-Argentine "Mother of the Homeland"
An Unsung Heroine of Argentine Independence
From Humble Beginnings to Military Renown
Born María Remedios del Valle in Buenos Aires in either 1766 or 1767, Remedios was a free-born Afro-Argentine woman. Her life took an unexpected turn when she joined the ranks of the Argentine army as a camp follower during the Argentine War of Independence (1810-1818).
Remedios's willingness to fight alongside male soldiers and her unwavering courage on the battlefield earned her the respect of her fellow soldiers. She fought bravely in numerous battles, including the Battle of Salta and the Battle of Tucumán. Her bravery inspired other women to join the ranks of the army, and she became known as the "Mother of the Homeland."
In 1815, Remedios was promoted to the rank of captain, making her the only woman to achieve this rank in the Argentine army. She continued to fight until the end of the war and remained a respected figure in Argentine history.
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