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Pedro Santana Familias (1801-1864) was a Dominican soldier and politician born in the border community of Hincha (now in Haiti). He was the first constitutional president of the Dominican Republic.
His parents were Pedro Santana and Petronila Familias, landowners in the border zone. Around 1805, Santana moved with his family to El Cibao, and later to El Seibo at the eastern part of the country, where he eventually became a cattle rancher.
He held the office of the presidency during the years 1844-1848, 1853-1856, and 1858-1861 (when Spain annexed the country). Thereafter, Santana became Governor, with the rank of Captain General of the territory. He continued in this post until 1862. He also received the Spanish noble title of Marquess de las Carreras.
Santana was characterized by his great military talents, dictatorial tendencies, annexationist desires, and meticulousness in public affairs. Politically, his actions are criticized by many historians, though without doubt he was a great soldier, which is demonstrated by his participation in numerous battles, including: Batalla del 19 de marzo; Azua in 1844; and Batalla de Las Carreras. He also fought with distinction in the Revolution of July 7, 1857, when the residents of Cibao placed the revolutionary army under his command.
The National Congress awarded him the title of “Liberator of the Nation” on July 18, 1849 for his victory in the Batalla de las Carreras.
Albeit being considered a brilliant military strategist, and was in fact a key figure in the successful separation of the Dominican Republic from Haiti, many historians point to the fact that many of his later actions detracted him from becoming a bona fide National Hero:
On July 16, 1864, Pedro Santana died in the city of Santo Domingo, and was buried in the fortress next to the Torre del Homenaje.