Antonio de los Reyes Correa
Capt. Antonio de los Reyes Correa (died in1758) was a famous Puerto Rican soldier. On August 5, 1702, he was in charge of the militia that fought to protect the city of Arecibo,Puerto Rico. That day Arecibo was invaded by the British, and Reyes Correa, with a handful of militia members, fought in Arecibo's defense.
The Puerto Rican militia, which counted with only thirty men, armed with just spears and machetes, fought the British, who were better armed with musketes and swords. At the end of the battle, there were 22 British dead on land and 8 at sea. The British left in defeat and the city of Arecibo was saved. Antonio de los Reyes Correa was declared a national hero.
Antonio de los Reyes Correa was awarded "La Medalla de Oro de la Real Efigie", by King Philip of Spain and given the title of Captain of Infantry.
Arecibo is also known as the "Villa del Capitan Correa" (Captian Correa's Village), an honor bestaled on him by the people of Arecibo.
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