Heroes That Forged Our Freedom

Colombia’s independence wasn’t achieved by one single hero, but by many brave and brilliant people who dreamed of a free nation. It was built step by step, word by word, battle by battle, by men and women who gave everything to shape the country we live in today. In this article, we want to pay tribute to some of those key figures. Through these short biographies, we invite you to discover the people who, each in their own way, helped sow the seeds of liberty and left behind a legacy that still guides us.

Camilo Torres Tenorio (1766–1816)

A powerful thinker and one of the first leaders of independence. As president of the United Provinces’ Congress, he wrote the Memorial of Grievances, defending the idea that power should belong to the Creoles, not the Spanish. He was executed during the Spanish Reconquest, but his ideals still live on as a symbol of justice and courage.

Policarpa Salavarrieta (1795–1817)

“La Pola” wasn’t just a spy; she was a young woman full of bravery. From Bogotá, she passed on secret information and helped recruit fighters for the patriotic cause. She was executed by the loyalists, but today, she stands as a symbol of the important role women played in the fight for freedom.

Simón Bolívar (1783–1830)

Known as El Libertador, Bolívar dreamed of a united and free America. He didn’t just talk about it, he fought for it. After leading key battles like Boyacá, he helped liberate several South American countries. His legacy continues to inspire the values of freedom, unity, and justice across the continent.

Manuela Beltrán (1724–?)

Years before independence officially began, Manuela Beltrán made history by tearing up a tax edict in public in 1781. That act sparked the Comunero Rebellion. A humble peasant woman, she showed that resistance can start from the people, and that one voice can inspire many.

Ángela Restrepo (1920–2010)

Though she lived long after the wars of independence, Ángela Restrepo represents a different kind of heroism. She was a pioneering scientist in Latin America who studied fungal diseases and made major contributions to medicine. She reminds us that building a country also means caring for its people.

Jorge Eliécer Gaitán (1903–1948)

Gaitán was a powerful voice for workers and justice. As a lawyer, writer, and politician, he believed in a fairer Colombia for all. His assassination marked a turning point in national history, but his ideas are still present in today’s social movements.

Francisco de Paula Santander (1792–1840)

He fought in the Battle of Boyacá and later helped shape the new nation. As president, he focused on laws and education, earning the nickname The Man of Laws. He believed that freedom had to be protected by structure and knowledge.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (1900–1975)

A controversial figure, Rojas Pinilla became president after a 1953 coup. His government brought public works and social reforms, but was also known for censorship and authoritarianism. His story reminds us that history is rarely simple, and always worth learning from.

Manuela Sáenz (1797–1856)

More than Bolívar’s partner, Manuela Sáenz was a revolutionary in her own right. She fought in battles, saved Bolívar’s life more than once, and became known as The Liberator of the Liberator. Her role, both political and military, is finally being recognized as key to the independence movement.

Esmeralda Arboleda (1921–1997)

A pioneer for women’s rights, Esmeralda was the first woman elected to the Colombian Senate. She helped lead the movement that achieved women’s suffrage in 1954. Thanks to her, Colombian women began to take their rightful place in politics and public life.

Looking back isn’t just about memorizing names or dates, it’s about understanding where we come from. These people, with their actions and dreams, helped build the country we live in today. Their stories are part of us, and remembering them keeps their voices alive. So, we prepared a little personality test for you to see which of these historical figures you’re similar to. Have fun!

Answer the following questions and write down the points for each answer. At the end, add up your points to discover which historical figure is most like you.

1. Which value represents you the most?

a) Justice (2 points)

b) Strategy (6 points)

c) Bravery (5 points)

d) Controversy (1 point)

e) Doing what is right (3 points)

f) Feminism (4 points)

2. What role would you choose in a revolution?

a) Be a leader and give orders  (1 point)

b) Fight directly for your country (2 points)

c) Help with intelligence and planning  (6 points)

d) Defend the rights of all people (3 points)

e) Use your voice to fight stereotypes (4 points)

f) Act bravely, even if it’s dangerous (5 points)

3. How do you solve a conflict?

a) With laws and arguments (6 points)

b) With strong emotions and direct action  (1 point)

c) With justice and empathy    (3 points)

d) With intelligence and smart strategies (4 points)

e) With courage, even if there’s a fight (5 points)

f) With loyalty and commitment  (2 points)

4. How do you like to work?

a) Supporting and risking myself in every fight (5 points)

b) Following rules and clear structures  (6 points)

c) Leading resistance movements  (2 points)

d) Listening to others and working in a team (3 points)

e) Finding spaces to speak up  (4 points)

f) Making passionate and strong decisions (1 point)

5. What motivates you to act?

a) The need for justice for the oppressed  (2 points)

b) The duty to organize and keep order (6 points)

c) Love for freedom and country (5 points)

d) The need to make deep changes (3 points)

e) The fight for women’s rights (4 points)

f) The dream of a united big nation  (1 point)

6. What do you think about rules?

a) They are necessary to keep order (6 points)

b) They can change if the people ask for it  (3 points)

c) I follow my heart more than rules (5 points)

d) Sometimes we must break them for the greater good (1 point)

e) I don’t follow unfair rules (2 points)

f) We must question them to reach equality (4 points)

Final scores

Add your points and see who you are:

• 6–10 points → Simón Bolívar: You are passionate, controversial, and a strong leader with big dreams.

• 11–16 points → Policarpa Salavarrieta: You care deeply about justice and are brave in your actions.

• 17–22 points → Jorge Eliécer Gaitán: You are fair and want to change society to make it better.

• 23–28 points → Esmeralda Arboleda: You fight for equality, women’s rights, and use smart ideas to change the world.

• 29–34 points → Manuela Sáenz: You are loyal, brave, and act with heart no matter the cost. 

• 35–40 points → Francisco de Paula Santander: You are organized, logical, and believe in laws, order, and intelligent plans.