Juan Galindo

Juan Galindo (1802 – 1839) was a Central American explorer and army officer. He fought for Central American independence from Spain and led the charge that took the fortress at Omoa, the last Spanish stronghold in Central America.

Galindo's father Philemon Galindo was a government official in Costa Rica. He was of Spanish, English and Irish descent, but the curious rumor that Juan Galindo was born in Ireland as "John Gallager" seems to have no basis.

Galindo worked for the government of the United Provinces of Central America. In addition to his military duties, his work included a stint as governor of Petén and diplomatic missions to Havana and the United States. During this time, he wrote accounts of local conditions, topography and landmarks.

Galindo also explored and wrote descriptive accounts of various ancient Maya ruins, including Palenque and Copán. They are notable as they were first to point out the close resemblance between the contemporary Maya peoples and the carved images of the ancient Maya to be found amongst the ruins. Contrary to ideas that the ancient Maya architecture had been created by peoples such as ancient Egyptians, Polynesians, or even the Lost Tribes of Israel, this suggested that they were built by the contemporary Mayas' ancestors.

Galindo was a loyal supporter of the liberal central government of President Francisco Morazán. When civil war broke out in Central America, he fought in various battles, but was killed when a Nicaraguan army overran the city of Tegucigalpa.

See also

* History of Central America