Estrada Palma, Tomás, 1835-1908

Tomás Estrada Palma, first president of the Cuban Republic from 1902 to 1906, was born in Bayamo, Oriente Province, Cuba. He studied in Havana and at the University of Seville, Spain. After his father's death he returned to Cuba where in 1868 he joined the rebel forces during Cuba's Ten Years War (1868-1878) against Spain. Captured by the Spanish forces Estrada Palma was exiled to Spain until the end of the war. Afterwards he lived in Honduras and New York were in the 1890's joined the struggle for Cuba's independence. After José Martís death Estrada Palma became delegate-at-large for the Cuban Revolutionary Party and later became minister plenipontentiary of the Republic of Cuba in Arms. He was inaugurated as president of Cuba on May 20th 1902, but due to the election crisis of 1905, resigned the presidency in September 1906.

From the description of Tomás Estrada Palma Collection, 1880-1970. (University of Miami). WorldCat record id: 47734264