FRANCISCO DEL ROSARIO SANCHEZ

Francisco del Rosario Sánchez

One of the Padres de la Patria / Fathers of the Patriotism

Born March 9, 1817  and died July 4, 1861

Francisco Sanchez was one of the three founding fathers of Dominican Republic. He, including Juan Pablo Duarte, Ramón Matías Mella, are the Padres de la Patria / Fathers of the Patriotism. He is also considered by many to be the strongest of them all. Giving his life in martyrdom for his dream of a free country and for the men whom fought with him.

Sanchez was the son of Narciso Sánchez and Olaya Del Rosario. He was born in San Juan de la Maguana. At the time of his birth his parents were not married. His father, Narcisco, came to Dominican Republic from Spain. All that is known of his mother is that she was "a person of color", maybe African decent, according to the baptismal records. He taught himself Latin and French, studied philosophy and also studied with Father Gaspar Hernandez, a priest who was anti-Haitian.

During his time studying under the priest, with many other young people, is when Sanchez met Juan Pablo Duarte. In 1838 he joined the Trinitarios to fight against the Haitian occupation. He was known for his hard work, determination and honesty. Because of his leadership abilities, when Duarte was later exiled to Venezuela, he took over leadership of this group. While leading the Trinitarios he always kept in touch with Duarte. Duarte had complete confidence in Sanchez.