“Don’t you find it remarkable?” I ask pausing before the General Martín Miguel de Güemes Statue. This isn’t just a statue it’s a testament to a hero.
The General Martín Miguel de Güemes Statue stands proudly in Parque San Benito. It’s a replica of a monument in Salta. The original was sculpted in 1931 by Víctor Gariño. This Buenos Aires version a gift from Salta’s government in 1981 is the work of Ernando Bucci. The statue depicts Güemes on horseback. His pose is one of alertness his hand shielding his eyes. The horse is strong and powerfully built.
But this isn’t just a pretty sculpture. It has a fascinating history. In 2012 thieves stole parts of the bronze statue. They took a rein a stirrup spurs and even the saber. The city government undertook a costly 50000 peso restoration. A 30-meter crane was needed to put the meticulously recreated bronze pieces back in place.
Güemes himself was a remarkable figure. He was a gaucho military leader and politician. He played a crucial role in Argentina’s fight for independence. He was also the governor of Salta. Tragically he died in battle in 1821 at only 36 years old. A bullet from Spanish royalist troops ended his life. He remains the only general of independence killed in combat in the Americas a fact that adds to his legendary status.
In 1998 the city added railings around the statue. This was to prevent vandalism and stop people from climbing its stone base. This base isn’t just decorative it’s made of stone brought all the way from Salta. The stone base is pyramidal reflecting the importance of the figure it supports.
The General Martín Miguel de Güemes Statue isn’t just a bronze horse and rider. It represents the enduring spirit of a freedom fighter. It’s a reminder of a history filled with courage sacrifice and the ongoing struggle for independence. It’s a story etched in bronze and stone a story that continues to inspire.