Ramón Castilla y Marquesado (31 August 1797 – 25 May 1867) was a
Peruvian caudillo and
President of Peru four times. His earliest prominent appearance in Peruvian history began with his participation in a commanding role of the army of the
Libertadores that helped Peru become an independent nation. Later, he led the country when the economy boomed due to the exploitation of
guano deposits. Castilla's governments are remembered for having abolished
slavery and modernized the state.