Benjamín Zeledón

Benjamín Francisco Zeledón Rodríguez (October 4, 1879 – October 4, 1912) was a Nicaraguan lawyer, politician and soldier known under the posthumous title of National Hero of Nicaragua.

He was one of the leaders of an uprising against President Adolfo Díaz, regarded by many as a United States puppet. His rebel forces opened fire on American Marines and sailors at Masaya on September 19, 1912. After the surrender of General Luis Mena on September 23, Zeledón assumed the supreme command of the Revolution thus became Supreme Leader of the Government in rebellion. He was killed during the Battle of Coyotepe Hill, when United States Marines recaptured Fort Coyotepe and the city of Masaya from rebels. His body was carried on an oxcart by the Marines to be buried in Catarina. This image greatly impacted future Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto César Sandino.