Micaela Antonia Rivera de Soto
Micaela Antonia Rivera de Soto (July 5, 1785 – December 12, 1854) was the first lady of the Dominican Republic during her husband Pedro Santana’s presidency. She helped the Dominican War of Independence by making cartridges for soldiers and by supporting the navy.
She was born on July 5, 1785, in Hincha (now Hinche), the daughter of Pedro de Rivera and Antonia de Soto. At age 20 she married Miguel Febles, a soldier who fought in the Battle of Palo Hincado. They had four children: three sons—Ramón, Secundino, Miguel—and a daughter, Froilana. Both families were very wealthy, making them one of the country’s most powerful.
Their alliance with the Santana family helped pave the way for independence and supported the Dominican Army against Haitian attacks. After Miguel Febles died, Micaela married Pedro Santana in 1828, and they had no children together. As Santana’s wife, Micaela and her daughter Froilana (who married Pedro’s twin brother Ramón Santana) were known for making cartridges for soldiers and for funding the first ships that formed the Dominican coast defense flotilla. They also supported Santana by serving as informants during the independence plans. Micaela Rivera de Soto died on December 12, 1854, in El Seibo province.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:25 (CET).