Marcos Xiorro

Quick Facts: Who was Marcos Xiorro?

Subject:

Marcos Xiorro

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Puerto Rican slave leader who planned a major revolt against plantation owners in 1821.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Marcos Xiorro was the slave name of an enslaved African in Spanish Puerto Rico who, in 1821, planned and conspired to lead a slave revolt against the sugarcane plantation owners and the Spanish Colonial government. Although his rebellion was unsuccessful, he achieved legendary status among the island's slave population and has become part of Puerto Rican folklore. It is not known when Xiorro was born or from what people and region in Africa he came from. What is known about him is that he was a Bozal slave, who had been recently brought to the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico directly from Africa. Xiorro was enslaved by Vicente Andino, a Militia Captain who owned a sugar plantation in the municipality of Bayamón.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1812, Salvador Meléndez Bruna, the governor of Puerto Rico, ordered that any slave who disrespected his master would be punished with fifty lashes by the civil authorities — and then returned to his master for additional punishment. A 100-lashes punishment was given to those who committed a violent act or incited a rebellion. Ramón Power y Giralt was a Puerto Rican naval hero, a captain in the Spanish navy who had risen to become president of the Spanish Courts. Power y Giralt was among the delegates who proposed that slavery be abolished in Puerto Rico. He sent a letter to his mother, Josefa Giralt, suggesting that if the proposals were approved, she should be the first one to grant her slaves their freedom.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Although these proposals were never discussed in sessions of the Spanish Courts, Josefa Giralt's slaves learned about the letter and, believing that slavery had been abolished, they spread the "news" that they were free. A slave named Benito contributed to the rumor by circulating the mistaken news that the Cortes Generales y Extraordinarias de la Nacion (General and Extraordinary Courts of the Nation) had granted slaves their freedom. These false rumors led to various confrontations between the slaves, the military and the slave masters. In July 1821, Xiorro planned and organized a conspiracy against the slave masters and the colonial government. This was to be carried out on July 27, during the religious festival celebrations dedicated to Santiago (St. James).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1812: 1812 Milestone — In 1812, Salvador Meléndez Bruna, the governor of Puerto Rico, ordered that any slave who disrespected his master would be punished with fifty lashes by the civil authorities — and then returned to his master for additional punishment.
2. 1821: 1821 Milestone — Marcos Xiorro was the slave name of an enslaved African in Spanish Puerto Rico who, in 1821, planned and conspired to lead a slave revolt against the sugarcane plantation owners and the Spanish Colonial government.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Marcos Xiorro

True or False: “The slaves involved in the conspiracy were immediately and completely freed after the rebellion failed.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Although many escaped or fought for freedom, the aftermath saw arrests, trials, and continued periods of indentured servitude for many.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Marcos Xiorro