José Francisco de San Martín (1778-1850) was an Argentine General, governor and patriot who led his nation during the wars of Independence from Spain. He was a lifelong soldier who fought for the Spanish in Europe before returning to Argentina to lead the struggle for Independence. Today, he is revered in Argentina, where he is considered among the founding fathers of the nation. He also led the liberation of Chile and Peru.
Early Life of José de San Martín
José Francisco was born in Yapeyu in the Province of Corrientes, Argentina, the youngest son of Lieutenant Juan de San Martín, the Spanish governor. Yapeyu was a beautiful town on the Uruguay River, and young José lived a privileged life there as the governor's son. His dark complexion caused many whispers about his parentage while he was young, although it would serve him well later in life. When José was seven years old, his father was recalled to Spain. José attended good schools, where he showed skill in math, and joined the army as a cadet at the young age of eleven. By seventeen he was a lieutenant and had seen action in North Africa and France