Now look to your right. Standing in the center of Plaza Patriótica is a sculpture of Juan Pablo Duarte (1813 – 1876). This is one of several tributes to Duarte in Santo Domingo. He is the founding father of the Dominican Republic after securing freedom from Haitian dominance. He organized the initial revolt, co-authored the constitution and helped finance the Dominican War of Independence (1844 – 1856). The toll on him was tremendous. He was imprisoned, financially ruined and died in exile. Today, he is considered the country’s primary hero.