Juan Antonio Lavalleja (1778-1853) was a Uruguayan independence leader. He led the "Immortal Thirty-three," a patriot band that initiated Uruguay's successful move for independence in 1825.

Juan Antonio Lavalleja was born in Minas in western Uruguay. He was a member of a locally prominent family and lived the life of the typical young Creole. In 1811 he joined the move for independence from Spain by enlisting in the service of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's first great national hero.

First Attempt at Independence

Showing himself to be a soldier of considerable talents, Lavalleja continued in the service of Artigas until 1818, when he was captured by the Brazilians. He remained a prisoner until 1821, when the end of fighting in the region of Uruguay prompted the Brazilian officials to declare an end to hostilities and to free all the prisoners.

No sooner had they been released than Lavalleja and other Uruguayan patriots...