Francisca Zubiaga y Bernales

Francisca Zubiaga y Bernales (1803–1835) was the first lady of Peru in 1829–1833 by her marriage to president Agustín Gamarra. She was also known as "La Mariscala" (The Field Marshal) and "Doña Pancha".

Francisca Zubiaga y Bernales
First Lady of Peru
In office
September 1, 1829 – December 20, 1833
PresidentAgustín Gamarra
Preceded byMicaela de Echevarría
Succeeded byMaría Josefa Pinillos y Cacho
Personal details
Born1803
Cusco, Viceroyalty of Peru
Died1835
Valparaíso, Chile
Residence(s)Lima, Peru

She became known for her courage after having accompanied her spouse on two expeditions to Upper Peru in 1828. She hosted salons after pattern from Europe. In 1831, during the visit of her spouse to Bolivia, she faced and prevented the attempted coup by vice president La Fuente. When she was about to crown Simón Bolívar, he put the crown on her. She died of tuberculosis. She was a controversial person, was under mobbing for false accusations of infidelity, described as a bold rider and an excellent shot. In Euskera, the Baske language: 'Zubiaga' means: 'Close to the bridge', it may stand for the publicans who charged the rate for crossing a bridge, there is an Italian town with a cognate name: Subiaco, Lazio.

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