Joaquim Marques Lisboa

Joaquim Marques Lisboa was born in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on December 13, 1807. He was the son of Manuel Marques Lisboa, a Portuguese merchant, and Maria Joaquina de Sousa Lisboa, a Brazilian woman. He had two brothers, Manuel and Francisco, and a sister, Maria Eufrásia. He moved to Rio de Janeiro with his sister and her husband, José Antônio Lisboa, when he was five years old. He attended the school of Professor Carvalho, where he learned the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. He also developed a passion for the sea and sailing. He joined the Brazilian Navy as a midshipman in 1823, at the age of 15. He participated in the Brazilian War of Independence (1822-1824), fighting against the Portuguese forces that tried to reconquer Brazil after its declaration of independence from Portugal. He distinguished himself in several naval battles, such as the Battle of Monte Santiago, where he was wounded in the leg. He was promoted to second lieutenant in 1825, and to first lieutenant in 1827. He also took part in the Cisplatine War (1825-1828), a conflict between Brazil and the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (later Argentina and Uruguay) over the territory of Cisplatina (now Uruguay). He fought in the naval blockade of Buenos Aires and in the Battle of Juncal, where he was captured by the Argentine forces. He was released in 1828, after the end of the war and the recognition of Uruguay's independence. He continued his naval career, serving in various ships and stations. He was involved in the suppression of several internal rebellions and regional conflicts, such as the Confederation of the Equator (1824), the Cabanagem (1835-1840), the Sabinada (1837-1838), the Ragamuffin War (1835-1845), the Balaiada (1838-1841), and the Praieira (1848-1850). He was promoted to captain-lieutenant in 1832, to captain in 1840, and to commodore in 1847. He also married Maria Joaquina de Sousa Lisboa, his cousin, in 1839. They had no children. He participated in the Platine War (1851-1852), a war between Brazil and the Argentine Confederation, led by Juan Manuel de Rosas, who threatened Brazil's interests and influence in the region. He commanded the Brazilian squadron that supported the Uruguayan rebels against Rosas, and took part in the Battle of Tonelero, where he captured the Argentine flagship. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1852, and to vice admiral in 1856. He was also appointed as the minister of the navy in 1858, and again in 1861. He was one of the main leaders of the Paraguayan War (1864-1870), the largest and bloodiest war in South American history, fought between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. He was the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian naval forces, and directed the operations in the Paraná and Paraguay rivers. He fought in several naval battles, such as the Battle of Riachuelo, the Battle of Paso de la Patria, the Battle of Curuzú, and the Battle of Curupayty. He was also involved in the siege of Humaitá, the stronghold of the Paraguayan army. He was promoted to admiral in 1866, the highest rank in the Brazilian Navy. He resigned from his command in 1867, due to disagreements with the Argentine general Bartolomé Mitre, who was the supreme commander of the allied forces. He returned to Brazil, and became a member of the Military and Justice Council, the highest court of the Brazilian armed forces. He also served as the minister of war in 1870, and as the president of the Military and Justice Council in 1871. He retired from active service in 1873, but remained as a life-long member of the Military and Justice Council. He was also honored with several titles and decorations, such as the Marquis of Tamandaré, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Rose, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ. He died in Rio de Janeiro, on March 20, 1897, at the age of 89. He was buried in the Espaço Cultural do 5°DN, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, where his remains were transferred in 1994. He is considered the patron of the Brazilian Navy, and one of the national military heroes of Brazil. His birthday, December 13, is celebrated as the Sailor's Day in Brazil.