Today In Wyoming's History: September 16, 1810. The Cry of Delores.

It is today, a noted on our companion blogToday In Wyoming's History, for this date, September 16 which marks the actual first strike towards the independence of Mexico: 

September 16

1810  Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo and several hundred of his parishioners seized the prison at Dolores, Mexico marking the beginning of the first significant Mexican rebellion against Spain.

As also noted, the first blow for independence from Spain was struck by a Catholic Priest, concerned for the plight of the average poor Mexican, who issued the "Cry of Delores".   Tragically, that cry, a speech from Father Miguel, and the reply of the crowed, has been lost, but it is known that it cried out loyalty to the Church, referenced the Virgin of Guadalupe, and struck out somehow against Spain.

The revolution started on this date started a series of rebellions that would continue, more or less as a single war, until 1821, when Mexico achieved its independence.  Unfortunately, during the process the leaders evolved from being a Priest concerned for his people to Mexican born Spanish military leaders who were concerned with the privilege of their class. That effectively set up Mexico for  a long lasting struggle that only resolved in recent years.

A process that began on this day in 1810, 210 years ago.

It's this day, not the 5th of May, that's celebrated as Mexican Independence Day in Mexico.