Born: 20 August 1778 · Died: 24 October 1842 · Age at death: 64
How old was Bernardo O'Higgins when he died?
Bernardo O'Higgins died aged 64. He was born on 20 August 1778 and died on 24 October 1842.
Chilean independence hero who fought with San Martín, led the new nation as Supreme Director and proclaimed independence in 1818
Did you know?He was the illegitimate son of an Irish-born Spanish officer who became the Viceroy of Peru.
Quick facts
Date of birth20 August 1778
Date of death24 October 1842
Age at death64
Cause of deathCardiovascular disease
NationalityChilean
BirthplaceChillán, Chile
Occupationpolitician, military personnel, military officer
Editor's Take:
Bernardo O'Higgins is honoured in Chile as the father of the nation. He was the illegitimate son of Ambrosio O'Higgins, an Irish-born officer who became viceroy of Peru. As a young man in London he met revolutionaries who wanted to free Spanish America, and he returned home committed to the cause. He fought in the early battles of the Chilean independence war, and after a heavy defeat he fled across the Andes to Argentina. There he joined José de San Martín's Army of the Andes. Their victory at Chacabuco in 1817 freed Santiago, and O'Higgins became Supreme Director. He declared independence in 1818 but ruled in an authoritarian way and was forced out in 1823. He spent his last years in exile in Peru.
Key Milestones
1814: Defeated at Rancagua and forced into exile in Argentina
1817: Helps win the Battle of Chacabuco with San Martín
1818: Proclaims Chilean independence
1823: Resigns and goes into exile in Peru
Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme (Spanish pronunciation:; 20 August 1778 – 24 October 1842) was a Chilean military officer, statesman and a major leader of Chile's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.
Bernardo O'Higgins's birthday is August 20. He was born on August 20, 1778 in Chillán, Chile.
How old was Bernardo O'Higgins when he died?
Bernardo O'Higgins died on October 24, 1842, aged 64.
Who shares a birthday with Bernardo O'Higgins?
Famous people who share Bernardo O'Higgins's August 20 birthday include Benjamin Harrison, Demi Lovato, Andrew Garfield, H. P. Lovecraft and Rajiv Gandhi.
