José Cecilio del Valle

One of the most significant individuals in Central America during the transition from colonial rule to independence as well as one of the most important historical figures in Honduras, José Cecilio Dáz del Valle (November 22, 1780 – March 2, 1834) was a philosopher, politician, lawyer, and journalist who demonstrated a broad range of expertise in public administration management. One of the founding fathers of Central America was Valle, known as "The Wise”.

On November 22, 1780, in the village of Choluteca, close to the Choluteca River, josé Cecilio del Valle was born. During the time of Spanish rule, this settlement was a part of the historic province of Tegucigalpa, which is today in Honduras. He was chosen as Guatemala City's mayor in 1821, serving in that capacity until June (1821). The same year Central America became independent from Spanish domination. The Central American Act of Independence was written by Jose del Valle. Del Valle did not sign this agreement, hence it has been the subject of debate until this day. However, the majority of historians concurred that he wasn't supposed to sign such a contract. Under Agustin de Iturbide, Central America joined the short-lived Mexican Empire in 1822.

Valle was chosen to serve in the Mexican Congress as a "Guatemalan Representative." 27th August 1822. Valle and other delegates were put in jail on conspiracy charges against the Mexicans. He was released from prison in February 1823 after serving many months there and became foreign minister of Mexico. In the same year, Central America broke away from Mexico. He went back to Guatemala in January 1824, where he served in the second triumvirate that oversaw the provinces of Central America.