Estatua de Miguel Hidalgo in Centro Atlixco. The statue was erected in 1954. Hidalgo's sculpture is a tribute to the Father of the Nation and was erected to commemorate his role in the Mexican Independence movement. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811) was a Mexican priest, teacher, and freethinker. He is known as the Father of the Homeland for being one of the starters of the Mexican independence movement. 16 September, 1810—the date now celebrated as Mexican Independence Day—Hidalgo issued the “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores”), calling for the end of Spanish rule, for racial equality, and for redistribution of land. The speech effectively launched the Mexican War of Independence (1810–21) from Spains 300 year rule. The revolution began in force in 1810 under Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who had some victories but was eventually captured and executed in 1811. Hidalgo was succeeded by José María Morelos y Pavón, who was also captured and executed in 1815. The 11-year battle that resulted in Mexico's independence culminated on August 24, 1821, when Spain signed the Treaty of Córdoba, which formally recognized Mexican independence.