Born: 28 January 1853 · Died: 19 May 1895 · Age at death: 42
How old was José Martí when he died?
José Martí died aged 42. He was born on 28 January 1853 and died on 19 May 1895.
Cuban national hero, poet and leader of the independence movement
Did you know?The lyrics of the famous song Guantanamera were adapted from one of his most celebrated collections of poetry.
Quick facts
Date of birth28 January 1853
Date of death19 May 1895
Age at death42
NationalityCuban
BirthplaceHavana, Cuba
Occupationlinguist, poet, writer
Editor's Take:
José Martí is Cuba's national hero, admired across political divides. He was jailed as a teenager and spent most of his adult life in exile. He wrote poetry, journalism and essays about Latin American identity. He warned of the growing power of the United States. He organised the war for independence from New York. He died in one of its first battles. His simple verses became the words of Guantanamera. Every Cuban schoolchild learns his writings.
Key Milestones
1869: Jailed for opposing Spanish rule
1891: Publishes Versos Sencillos
1892: Founds the Cuban Revolutionary Party
1895: Killed at Dos Ríos
José Julián Martí Pérez (Spanish:; 28 January 1853 – 19 May 1895) was a Cuban nationalist, poet, philosopher, essayist, journalist, translator, professor, and publisher, who is considered a Cuban national hero because of his role in the liberation of his country from Spain.
