José María Heredia

José María Heredia y Heredia (Known as "El Cantor del Niágara")

Romantic Poet, Jurist, Precursor of Latin American Independence

Born 1803-12-31

Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Passed Away 1839-05-07 Mexico City, Mexico, Cuba

Lifespan 35 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Niagara, hear my lament! As your waters plunge in thunder, so my soul roars for the freedom of my lost homeland."

Archival Overview

Cuba's first great romantic poet and patriot whose impassioned poems 'En el Teocalli de Cholula' and 'Oda al Niágara' expressed sublime lyricism and the heartbreak of political exile.

Biographical Record

José María Heredia was born in Santiago de Cuba on December 31, 1803. Graduating in law, Heredia joined the patriotic conspiracy 'Soles y Rayos de Bolívar' in 1823, forcing him to flee into lifelong exile in the United States and Mexico.

Visiting Niagara Falls in 1824, he composed his immortal masterpiece Oda al Niágara, using the roaring cataract to symbolize his turbulent yearning for Cuban liberty. Serving as a judge and educator in Mexico, he died of tuberculosis at thirty-five, hailed by José Martí as 'the first poet of Cuba'.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Panteón de San Fernando
Mexico City, Mexico

                         GPS: 19.4380, -99.1480                    

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