Martín Rivadavia

Victor Martin Rivadavia Commodore was born on March 22, 1852. His parents were Martin Rivadavia and Adela Villagrán, and he had 5 brothers.

He started his first studies in a private school. He entered the army when he was 13 years old, after that he enjoined the military school of Palermo.

He participated in the end of Paraguay and Uruguay Campaign (known as Banda Oriental). When he came back to Buenos Aires, he prepared to enter the navy.

On board of the “Rosales Schooner”, Martin Rivadavia travelled to the south in order to sail from the Patagonian North to Tierra del Fuego coast. He carried out important hydrographic works and after that he was promoted frigate captain.

On March 15, 1883, he married Isabel Crespo.

On November 26, 1888 he took control of “The Argentina Corvette”. After that he commanded “25 de Mayo” cruise. And then, he was commissioned to Europe. He visited Cádiz, Geneve, New Castle and New York to do national businesses.

In 1896 he was in charge of the “San Martin Battleship”. In 1897 he was promoted commander–in-chief and one year later, President Julio Argentino Roca appointed him navy minister.

At the beginning of 1899, the historical interview between the presidents of Argentina and Chile took place in Punta Arenas. The President J. A. Roca travelled on board of “Belgrano” ship which was commanded by Martin Rivadavia Commodore.

During his mandate the obligatory military law was passed.

On February 8, 1901, he underwent a fracture of two ribs as a result of a fall. On the fourth day, the doctors decided to treat it surgically, without obtaining positive results.

On February 14, his decease took place, saddening all the country. He died at a very young age at the peak of his career.