• Source: Antonio de los Reyes Correa

Antonio de los Reyes Correa (c. 1665 – June 9, 1758), also known as El Capitán Correa, was a Puerto Rican native who served as a captain in the Spanish Marine Infantry. Correa and his men defended the town of Arecibo from an English invasion in 1702.




Early years


Correa was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Jose Rodriguez Correa and Francisca Rodriguez de Valdez Colon. He was in charge of the local militia whose mission was to protect Arecibo from attacks by pirates or other European powers. His claim to fame came as a result of his defense of the city from an attack by English forces on August 5, 1702.




Defense of Arecibo


As part of the War of the Spanish Succession, England was at war with pro-Bourbon Spaniards, and the conflict spilled over into the Americas. On August 5, 1702, two Royal Navy warships under the command of William Whetstone approached Arecibo. From them, two rowboats transporting 40 marines and sailors proceeded to land on the town's beach. A force of 30 local militiamen, led by Correa, was mustered to confront the invaders. The ensuing engagement killed 22 of the attackers, while the defenders suffered one killed and three wounded, including Correa. Whetstone's ships proceeded to sail away, ending the engagement.




Honors and later years



Correa was awarded "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie" (The Gold Medal of the Royal Image), by King Philip V of Spain and given the title of "Captain of Infantry" on September 23, 1703. It was within Spanish tradition to name its Captain of Infantry to the position of Mayor. Correa served as temporary mayor of Arecibo from 1700 to 1701 and then as official mayor from 1701 to 1705. He also served as mayor from 1710 to 1714 and from 1716 to 1744.
Captain Antonio de los Reyes Correa, who was married to Estefanía Rodríguez de Matos y Colón Luyando, died on June 9, 1758. Arecibo is known as the "Villa del Capitan Correa" (Captain Correa's Village), an honour bestowed by the people of the town. The people of Arecibo also honored Correa by including a gold colored belt in their Coat of Arms with the words "Muy Leal", which means "Very Loyal", in representation of Correa. On January 8, 2004, the Government of Puerto Rico approved public law #29 (P. de la C. 4029 LEY NUM. 29. 8 DE ENERO DE 2004) establishing August 5 as the Day of Antonio de los Reyes Correa. In the southern Puerto Rican city of Ponce a street was named after him. It runs from Barrio Segundo through Barrio Primero and ends in the northern portion of Barrio Canas Urbano at Avenida Las Américas.




See also



List of Puerto Ricans
List of Puerto Rican military personnel




References






External links


One of the earliest works of Puerto Rican literature, features a poem "El Capitan Correa."
Captain Correa

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