During the Ecuadorian War of Independence, Guayaquil defeated the Spanish and declared itself to be the Free Province of Guayaquil on October 9, 1820. One hundred years to the day, Centenary Square was inaugurated. In the center is the 88.5 foot Column to National Heroes designed by Agustín Quero. On top of the white marble capital is a statue holding a liberty flame. Engraved below is the Declaration of Independence. Surrounding the rose marble base are sculptures of four leaders who fought for independence plus bas-reliefs depicting key moments toward freedom.