“Who was this Martín de Álzaga?” I hear you whisper. This plaque before us tells a story. A story of a Basque man who arrived in Buenos Aires penniless at age eleven. He barely spoke Spanish only Basque. He built a fortune through trade. This included the unfortunately lucrative business of trading slaves. He became one of the city’s wealthiest men.
The Placa a Martín de Álzaga commemorates a complex figure. He rose through the ranks of Buenos Aires society. He became a member of the Cabildo. He served as Alcalde de primer voto. This is a significant position within the city’s government.
But Martín de Álzaga’s true claim to fame lies in his role during the British invasions. When the British attacked in 1806 he put his wealth and considerable organizational skills to the defense of Buenos Aires. He secretly acquired weapons. He even had workshops set up to repair them. He rented buildings around the Plaza Mayor. From there he organized a secret army and dug tunnels to undermine the British fortifications. His network of spies and his relentless will were instrumental to the reconquest of Buenos Aires.
When the British returned in 1807 he played a key role in the city’s defense. He brilliantly organized the defense. The city was lit with thousands of lamps so work could continue during the night. Every rooftop was prepared for battle. His strategies and leadership skills were essential to the defeat of the British.
However Martín de Álzaga’s legacy is not without its shadows. He was ambitious and involved in several political plots. He even attempted a coup against the viceroy Liniers. His actions during this tumultuous period led to his imprisonment.
Ultimately Martín de Álzaga was accused of conspiring against the new government of Buenos Aires. The evidence against him may have been questionable. However in 1812 he was executed and his body left hanging in the Plaza de la Victoria for three days.
The Placa a Martín de Álzaga serves as a reminder. It reminds us of a man who was both a hero and a villain. His story is a testament to the complexities of history. A history filled with courage and ambition. A history filled with both glorious victories and tragic defeats. Remember Martín de Álzaga’s story as you continue your tour.