After declaring independence from Spain in 1811, the United Provinces of New Granada was formed. For a brief period, José Fernández Madrid was the head of the triumvirate and later the president of the new government. When the Spaniards reconquered New Granada in 1816, Fernández was imprisoned. Rather than face execution like many other rebel leaders, he was exiled. This marble sculpture of the patriot is on a tall pedestal in the Plaza Fernández Madrid within the San Diego neighborhood.
