Mexican Statesman Benito Juárez was Born in 1806

Today in Latin American history, Mexican statesman Benito Juárez who was the indigenous president in the Americas was born in 1806.

The politician of Zapotec origin from Oaxaca who served five terms as president of Mexico from 1858-1872.

He resisted the French occupation of Mexico, overthrew the Second Mexican Empire, restored the Republic, and used liberal efforts to modernize the country.

A great number of cities, towns, streets, institutions, and other things are named after Benito Juárez, including the former El Paso del Norte, now called Ciudad Juárez.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, the first President of Mexico Guadalupe Victoria who was in office 1824-29 died in 1843

Today in LatAm history, 18 people and a 7-year-old girl in Ponce, Puerto Rico, were gunned down by a police squad acting under orders of US-appointed Governor, Blanton C. Winship in 1937

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian Formula 1 race car driver Ayrton Senna was born in 1960

Today in LatAm history, Dominican baseball player Cristian Guzmán who played for the Minnesota Twins was born in 1978

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho who plays for the National team & Atlético Mineiro was born in 1980

Today in LatAm history, Uruguayan footballer Nicolas Lodeiro who plays for the National team & Botafogo was born in 1989