Ignacio Carrera Pinto

Hero of the Battle of Concepción

1848-1882

Descendant of illustrious figures of the Republic, he was born in Santiago. He had a difficult childhood after his father died in exile in Lima when he was 12 years old. Later, he was enrolled by his godfather at the Instituto Nacional, where he was a student of some of the brightest intellectuals of his time. Despite his character being described as ‘Distracted from studies and addicted to turbulent novelties’ in the words of Don Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna, he was always remembered as someone noble and loyal to his friends.

His excellent education shaped a noble character with religious and social sensitivity, for example, participating with Father Blas Cañas in the founding of a home for orphans and the needy, or serving as a volunteer in the First Company of Firefighters of Santiago. Before becoming a soldier, he worked in agricultural tasks and assisted in the Intendancy with Vicuña Mackenna in Santiago.

He enlisted in the Mobilized Civic Regiment No. 7 of Infantry, Esmeralda, in 1879. The following year, he became a second lieutenant in the same unit and entered the War of the Pacific, landing in Antofagasta on September 25, 1879. He participated in the Tarapacá Campaign and the Capture of Pisagua, arriving in Iquique in early 1880. In 1881, he became part of the Chacabuco battalion, fighting in Chorrillos and Miraflores. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice alongside the 77 brave men who gave their lives in the Battle of Concepción.

SOURCE: Academy of Military History and Biography of Chile.