1. Presidents – Heroes of the Independence – Scientists – Businessmen

Presidents of Colombia born in Antioquia
(Arranged chronologically by their administration)

Carlos E. Restrepo (1867-1937).
Presidential term: 1910 -1914
Born in Medellín

Marco Fidel Suárez (1855 -1927).
Presidential term: 1918-1921
Born in Hatoviejo (Today, Bello).

Mariano Ospina (1891 -1976).
Presidential term:1946-1950
Born in Medellín.

Rear-Admiral Rubén Piedrahita (1908-1979).
Presidential term: 1957-1958
Member of a Military Junta .
Born in Yarumal.

Belisario Betancur
Presidential term: 1982-1986
Born in Morro de la Paila, Amagá, in 1923.

Álvaro Uribe
Presidential terms: 2002–2006 / 2006–2010.
Born in Medellin in 1952.

PRESIDENT URIBE LEAVES OFFICE WITH 80% APPROVAL RATING.

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Heroes of the Independence Years

Atanasio Girardot
This laudable man was born in San Jerónimo (Antioquia) in 1791 and died in Barbula (Venezuela) in 1813.
He was Simón Bolívar's closest confidant during the war for Independence. He died in combat and covered by the republican flag.
His heart was taken to the Caracas Cathedral for his funeral.

José María Córdoba (1799-1829)
Cordoba, 'The Hero of Ayacucho', was a brilliant soldier, who at the age of 22, was promoted to General. In the battle of Ayacucho, he defeated the Spanish Army, consolidating the freedom of South America.
This young General rebelled against the dictatorship of Simón Bolívar and lost his life in battle. He was born in Conception.

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Scientist

Enrique Pérez, S J. (1896-1972) – Biologist, chemist, philosopher, mathematician, professor and scientific writer.
Father Pérez Arbeláez was a distinguished scientist. He founded the Botanical Institute of the National University and the National Herbarium. He also acted as the director of the department of Investigations of the Geographical Institute Augustín Codazzi and was a member of other important scientific organizations.
He was awarded very high distinctions, among them, the Order of Boyacá granted by Colombian government and the Order Alphonse X The Wise from the Spanish government. Father Pérez was born in Medellín.

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Businessmen
(Arranged by date of birth)

Alejandro Echavarría (1859-1928).
Echavarría Isaza brought electricity to Medellín, as the founder of the first electric company. He also founded Colteger and the first air traffic company. Two hospitals were set up by him, He co-founded the Banco Comercial Antioqueño. Echavarría was born in Barbosa (Ant.).

Luis Eduardo Yepes ( 1894-1936).
Founder and owner of LEY stores, the first commercial chain store in Colombia. He was b orn in Copacabana (Ant.).

Luis Ángel Arango (1903-1957). Lawyer and financier.
He was one of the most skilful finance executives in the country during the first half of the 20th century, as well as an active collaborator on significant cultural projects, such as the Museum of Gold and the Mint. Arango was born in Medellín.

Hernán Echavarría (1910-2006)
Founder of the "Corona Group ". Echavarria e was also a politician, diplomat and professor. He was born in Medellín.

Adolfo Arango
Founder and owner of "Cememtos Argos" Company, he established the Argos Group. Arango was born in Antioquia in 1928.

Gustavo Toro
Creator and co-owner of Éxito stores which is a very large Colombian chain store. He was born in Antioquia.

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