Consider the year 1808. Here stands the General Castaños Plaque. It marks the birthplace of a military hero. This plaque commemorates Francisco Javier Castaños. He was the 1st Duke of Bailén. Born in Madrid in 1758 Castaños became a key figure during the Napoleonic Wars.
Castaños is most famous for his victory at the Battle of Bailén. It was a decisive moment in the Peninsular War. In July 1808 Castaños’s Spanish forces confronted the French army. The French army was under General Dupont. Castaños surrounded and forced Dupont to surrender. This was the first major open-field defeat for Napoleon’s army. This victory boosted Spanish morale. It also forced King Joseph Bonaparte to leave Madrid.
However success was followed by a crushing defeat. Months later Castaños led his army at the Battle of Tudela. There his troops were heavily defeated. Despite this setback Castaños continued to serve Spain. He later fought under Wellington. Together they engaged in several battles.
In 1810 Castaños even presided over the Regency Council of Spain and the Indies. This made him the de facto head of state. Later in 1834 he became the first president of the Senate of Spain.
King Ferdinand VII honored Castaños in 1833. He was given the title Duke of Bailén. This recognized his valor during the Peninsular War. Especially his triumph at Bailén.
After Napoleon’s exile from Elba Castaños commanded the Army of Observation of the Right. Following Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo Castaños was appointed captain general of Catalonia.
Castaños also had a career in politics. From 1837 he served as a senator for Barcelona. He continued in the Senate until 1845. Then he was appointed senator for life.
Castaños died in Madrid on his birthday in 1852. He lived to be 93 years old. Queen Isabella II attended his funeral. Her husband accompanied the coffin. Castaños was first entombed at Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Later in 1963 his remains were moved to the Parish Church of the Incarnation in Bailén.
The General Castaños Plaque reminds us of a leader. He achieved a stunning victory against Napoleon. This plaque is a tribute to his courage. It honors his service to Spain. Remember Castaños Duke of Bailén. His legacy lives on in Spanish history.