Colombia for the new Republic. Simón Bolívar became the first President of Colombia, and Francisco de Paula Santander was made Vice President. However, the new republic was unstable and three countries emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (New Granada, Ecuador and Venezuela). Colombia was the first constitutional government in South America, and the Liberal and Conservative parties, founded in 1848 and 1849 respectively, are two of the oldest surviving political parties in the Americas. Slavery was abolished in the country in 1851. Internal political and territorial divisions led to the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830. The so-called
Equestrian of Simón Bolívar his head. In that hand he wields his sword, holding it upwards. He wears a military uniform with great detail, including the gold medal that was once George Washington's. The sculpture sits on a base made of granite or marble (142 in. x 72 in. x 184 in., 8 tons). The sculpture is signed: Felix W. de Weldon / Arch. Faulkner, Kingsbury & Stenhouse The front of the base is inscribed with: SIMON BOLIVAR THE LIBERATOR BORN JULY 24 1783 CARACAS VENEZUELA DIED DECEMBER 17 1830 SANTA MARTA COLOMBIA The east side of the base is inscribed with: THE REPUBLIC