San Martin is regarded as the most important Argentinian founding father, who liberated not only a part of Argentina but also helped liberate Chile and Peru along with O’Higgins and Bolívar.
José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras (February 25th 1778 – August 17th 1850) was an Argentine general and the principal leader of the successful struggle for independence from Spain by the southern nations of South America.
Together with Simón Bolívar in the north, San Martín is regarded as one of the Liberators of Spanish South America.
He is regarded as a national hero in Argentina, Chile and Peru. San Martin’s exploits earned him a series of honorific names. In Argentina he is remembered as the “Padre de la Patria”, (Father of our Country). In Peru, he is known as, “Fundador de la Libertad del Peru”, (founder of the freedom of Peru), “Protector de Peru” (protector of Peru) and “Fundador de la República” y “Generalísimo de las Armas” ( founder of the Republic and supreme commander of weapons). In Chile, he is called simply “Captain General”.
In Argentina, historical figures such as San Martín are remembered on the anniversary of their death, rather than their birth.
The Order of the Liberator General San Martin, named in his honour, is the highest decoration in Argentina.