Mariana Bracetti and the Grito de Lares: Freedom for Puerto Rico but What About Marcos?

Mariana Bracetti, known as “Brazo de Oro,” is remembered for her participation in the Grito de Lares and traditionally credited with sewing its revolutionary flag. But published historical research also identifies her as the owner of an enslaved man named Marcos.

In this episode, Edwin Ortiz examines her November 12, 1867 petition requesting permission to register Marcos after a deadline that otherwise could have allowed him to become free. We explore her family’s involvement in slaveholding, other Puerto Rican-born slaveholders, and what remains uncertain about Marcos’s eventual freedom.

We also ask: Why is this episode not more prominently discussed when Mariana is celebrated as a symbol of liberty? We invite independence supporters, educators, and listeners to examine the evidence and contribute their perspectives.

This discussion draws on published scholarship and a published transcription. We have not personally inspected the original archival letter. The evidence suggesting Marcos may have obtained freedom before 1870 does not establish exactly when or how.

What were you taught about Mariana Bracetti? Had you heard about Marcos? Leave your thoughts below, share this episode, and subscribe to Puerto Rico Open Your Eyes.

Sources and further reading

• Transcription of Mariana Bracetti’s November 12, 1867 petition
• Raquel Rosario Rivera: “Mariana Bracety y la esclavitud” — Scroll to the study bearing this title. Archival reference: Archivo General de Puerto Rico, Fondo de Gobierno Español, Caja 486.
• Mario R. Cancel-Sepúlveda: “Mariana Bracetti Cuevas: un perfil y una imagen”
• Francisco A. Scarano: Sugar and Slavery in Puerto Rico — See Appendix A, Table A.1, page 176, for José Ortiz de la Renta.
• Ponce Historical and Municipal Archive guide
• ASME: Hacienda La Esperanza Sugar Mill Steam Engine — Historical information about José Ramón Fernández y Martínez and enslaved workers at Hacienda La Esperanza.
• Library of Congress: Abolition of Slavery in Puerto Rico

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• Puerto Rico Open Your Eyes app
• The National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative
• Partido Autonomista Puertorriqueño

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