José Joaquín de Olmedo was a key figure in the 19th century history of Guayaquil and Ecuador. He was one of the patriots in a clandestine meeting on October 1, 1820. The mission of the “Forge of Vulcan” was to overthrow the Spanish and secure freedom for the city. After their success on October 9, Olmedo was appointed as president of the Free Province of Guayaquil. During the balance of his political career, he was mayor of Guayaquil twice plus the Vice President and later president of Ecuador. This monument at Olmedo Square was created in 1892 to celebrate his accomplishments. The sculpture of Olmedo was the work of Jean Alexander Falguiere.
