Querétaro - Part III - The trilogy finale

The short, sad story of Maximilian, Emperor of Mexico, and his connection to Querétaro 

  While Querétaro has much to offer, our visit, alas, is only for the day.  We learn the story of Maximilian of Austria, and his brief time (1864-1867) as Emperor of Mexico.  

  Here's my summary - 

Maximilian became Emperor after the French invaded and gained control of Mexico.  His conservative regime was always unstable because he was never accepted by liberal Republican forces (I know this sounds odd) led by Benito Juarez.  After continual fighting, his military forces were defeated, pushed out of Mexico City, and then retreated to Querétaro.  During the ongoing siege, Maximilian lived at the Convento de la Santa Cruz (see Part I).  He was eventually captured and executed at the Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of the Bells).

   Today, Maximilian is generally remembered as a leader that, while somewhat ineffective, tried to unite the country and worked to improve life for the impoverished.

No, I did not take this photo of Maximilian!  

Our convent guide brings us to Maximilian's room - stark, with only two chairs, a small table, and a single bed.

In memorandum - 'From March 13 to May 15, 1867, this room was the home of the Archduke of Austria, Fernando Maximiliano Jose, and his prison from May 15 to 17 in the same year. '  He was executed on June 19. 

This small chapel commemorates the spot of his execution.  Maximilian gave his executioners gold so that they would fire only below his shoulders.

Today, Cerro de las Campanas is a beautiful park where special events are celebrated.  This young women is celebrating her Quinceañera (15th birthday).

Story of Maximilian's death and Hill of the Bells

   There's much more information about Maximilian available.  Here's one online source:

http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/19thcenturylatinamerica/p/maxaustria.htm

   All comments and input regarding this or previous posts are welcomed!