At Administration Square is an exquisite statuary encased in marble created by Victor Ochoa in 2005. It depicts a clandestine meeting held at the home of José de Villamil. On October 1, 1820, a group of patriots – known as the Forge of Vulcan – plotted to seize a Spanish military post and capture the commander and governor. The successful rebellion led to the independence of Guayaquil on October 9. Standing with a key behind his back is José Joaquin de Olmedo. He became the first president of the Free Province of Guayaquil.
