Martina Silva de Gurruchaga

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Martina Silva de Gurruchaga, also known as Doña Martina Silva, was an Argentine patriot born on November 3, 1790, in Salta. She came from a relatively comfortable family, married a local merchant, and had six children. After Argentina’s May Revolution in 1810, she and her husband supported the independence movement, hosting leaders at home and helping raise money, clothes, and weapons for the army.

Salta was occupied by Spanish forces during the war. In 1813, General Manuel Belgrano moved to free the city. Martina prepared for his arrival by arming a company of soldiers, gathering supplies, and sewing a blue and white flag. On the day of the Battle of Salta, she led her troops and joined up with Belgrano. The battle was a major victory for the United Provinces, and Belgrano gave her the ceremonial rank of captain in gratitude.

Martina Silva de Gurruchaga died on March 5, 1873, at age 82. In 1954 her ashes were buried in the Cathedral of Salta, making her one of only two women interred there.