Free State of Cartagena, Former republic in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
The Free State of Cartagena was an independent territory that stretched along the Caribbean coast with Cartagena de Indias as its administrative center. It controlled one of the most powerful military forces in the New Granada region and possessed a network of fortifications to protect its borders.
The territory declared independence on November 11, 1811 and became the first region of present-day Colombia to break free from Spain. This independence ended on December 6, 1815 when Spanish forces recaptured the territory.
The independence movement brought together people from different social backgrounds who fought together for freedom. The Getsemani militia played a particularly important role in this uprising against colonial rule.
The locations of this former state can be explored today in Cartagena de Indias and the surrounding coastal areas. The old fortification sites and the city are accessible on foot and show traces of this brief but important period of independence.
French diplomat Benoit Chasseriau worked secretly during this period as a spy and later shaped diplomatic relations between France and Colombia. His role shows how foreign powers followed this early independence movement with great interest.
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