The island of Terceira in its History is recognized for its heroism, like for example in the resistance to Spanish rule and its role in the Liberal Wars! Today we decided to talk about a very important hero for the USA!
Peter Francisco was born on Terceira Island, in Porto Judeu, and as a child he was taken to Virginia in 1765 where he was adopted by a judge. He worked as a blacksmith and farmer and at just 16 years old he was already close to 2 meters (6ft 6.74in) and weighed over 100 kilograms (220lb)!
When the American War of Independence started, he joined the American Army and participated in several battles and watched the surrender of the English general Cornwallis after the battle of Yorktown.
Did you know that he was wounded several times in battle, saved General George Washington and future first president of the USA, and in the battle of Camden he took a cannon on his back?
After the war he bought land, married 3 times, and had a total of 6 children and died in 1831 and was known as the Hercules of the Revolution. In Virginia exists the Peter Francisco Day, which is on March 15th, and in Terceira there is a street named after him, as well as a statue!
Last modified: 26 de January, 2022
