Indian Aquino’s Cave

In the 19th century, during the times of the Federal Republic of Central America, the Indian Anastasio Aquino led a powerful uprising in El Salvador.

Aquino belonged to the Taytes (chiefs) of the Nonualco, an Indigenous tribe of the Pipil nation, and was tired of the oppression that he and his relatives had suffered for generations by the Spaniards and their decedents.

In late 1832 and early 1833, Aquino was a worker on an indigo plantation where he rebelled following the arrest of his brother by the estate owner. Aquino called for disobedience to the government. He and his followers attacked army posts, recruited the Indigenous conscripts there, and burned estates all across El Salvador. They distributed spoils to the poor on their way.

By the end of January 1833, Aquino managed to assemble an army large enough to do battle. His force was estimated at 2,000 to 5,000 men, armed mostly with lances, but apparently with some firearms. The revolt started in the hacienda Jalponguita, in Santiago Nonualco, and spread along the Comalapa and Lempa Rivers.

Furthermore, Aquino needed a place to hide, some headquarters where his forces could take a break and plan their more effectively their actions. And one night, they found a very hidden cave in El Pleito Hill (figure 1). The place was so hidden that the local forces could not find them. It was perfect.

Figure 1. The Indian Aquino Cave.

For several months, they caused more and more disruption all across the east of El Salvador. They were fighting for the liberation of the natives, human treatment, and most importantly, for the return of their lands.
 
Months passed and on, February 28, Aquino and his men fought a bloody battle in Santiago Nonualco. Sadly, Aquino and several of his men had been decimated by a mysterious disease. Colonel Juan José López took advantage of their weakness and order his 5000 men to launch a final attack to disperse the Indian rebels. Aquino was not captured and fled to his cave, trying to reorganize new forces.

The colonel was furious because the leader had escaped and offered to save the lives of anyone who revealed his whereabouts. One traitor took advantage of the offer, and Aquino was captured on April 23.

Aquino was moved to Zacatecoluca, where he was tried and condemned to death. He was executed by firing squad in San Vicente. His head was cut off and displayed in an iron cage with the label "Example for rebels."

Nowadays, some residents say that no lantern illuminates inside the cave. Maybe Aquino is still waiting for his return. What do you think?
Location: Santa Cruz Loma, El Salvador

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