José Joaquín Calvo López, founder of the Literary Institute, now Chihuahua Autonomous University

Abstract

This work shows the life of José Joaquín Calvo López. It describes his origins and family in Cuba, where he born, and the cultural context where he grew up. His backgrounds had repercussions in Chihuahua, when he took the determination to establish the Literary Institute, based on the educational vision learned in his natal country, together with the Cuban ideologists José de la Luz Caballero and Félix Varela. Also, it is described his military career in Mexico, first in his fight against insurgents, and later already as separatist; as well as his path and performance as military chief in different national territories, until his arrival in Chihuahua. Of course, it is highlighted the decision to establish the Literary Institute of Chihuahua in 1835 and the implications it had, because over time it become what is now the Chihuahua Autonomous University (UACH). In addition, it is described the life and importance of Antonio Cipriano Yrigoyen de la O, because he was the academic intellectual author of the foundation of Literary Institute, whereas José Joaquín Calvo López was from the politic perspective. Both are key characters and their careers are not too recognized despite they founded an important higher education institution. The work is built under the scope of critical history, starting from the documental evidence found in historical archives of Chihuahua (Mexico), La Habana (Cuba), and New Mexico (United States of America). The findings help to reconstruct the educational history of Chihuahua.