Agustín de Iturbide (1783-1824) - Find a Grave Memorial

1st Mexican Emperor. He was a General in the Mexican Army and the first Emperor of Mexico. After securing Mexico's independence in 1821, he was declared Emperor of the new country. After being exiled by forces who favored a Republican government, he later returned to Mexico with his wife and two of his children to reclaim his throne. He was captured by Republican forces and executed by firing squad in the town of Padilla in the State of Tamaulipas and buried in the parish church. His ashes were transferred to Mexico City's Cathedral in 1838 and finally laid to rest permanently in the Cathedral's Chapel of San Felipe de Jesús on October 27, 1839 (which also happened to be 18th anniversary of his successful march into Mexico City after the defeat of Spanish forces during the Mexican War of Independence). His wife and children spent their final years living in exile in the neighboring United States, residing primarily in Philadelphia. He was one of only two Emperors (the other being the French-imposed Emperor Maximilian I) to have served in this role in Mexico's history. He is also credited as the designer of Mexico's national flag.

Bio by: The L Word

Inscription

"Agustín de Iturbide, autor de la Independencia Mexicana. Compatriota llóralo, pasajero admíralo. Este monumento guarda las cenizas de un héroe. Su alma descansa en el seno de Dios". ("Agustín de Iturbide, author of the Independence of Mexico. Compatriot, cry for him; passerby, admire him. This monument guards the ashes of a hero. May his soul rest in the bosom of God.")