Gregorio Luperón

Gregorio Luperón (September 8, 1839 – May 21, 1897) was a Dominican revolutionary, military general, businessman, liberal politician, freemason, and statesman who was one of the leaders in the Dominican Restoration War. Luperón was an active member of the Triunvirato of 1866, becoming the President of the Provincial Government in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, and after the successful coup against Cesareo Guillermo, he became the 20th President of the Dominican Republic.

Born in Puerto Plata in 1839, Luperón spent his early years as merchant, where he learned French to access a merchant's library. His revolutionary career began in 1857, when fought in the Cibaeña Revolution against Buenaventura Báez. Luperón opposed the reincorporation of Santo Domingo into the Spanish kingdom and rose to prominence in the Dominican Restoration War. He became the commander-in-chief of the due to his strong patriotic sentiment and valor. In the years after the Six Years' War, he assumed power in 1879, reorganized the government according to liberal principles. During his government, he incentivised secularism in the Dominican Republic with the help of the General Captain of Puerto Rico and Eugenio María de Hostos. However, Luperón was exiled multiple times for opposing Ulises Heureaux's despotic government, leading to regret and disappointment. He later assumed the presidency of a provisional government in Puerto Plata, where peace, freedom, and progress prevailed.

Luperón is remembered for his famous last words. Because of his contributions, he is often considered the fourth founding father of the Dominican Republic.