William Walker
William Walker 1824 - 1860Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he graduated, summa cum laude, from University at the early age of fourteen; he then went on to qualify as both a doctor and a lawyer. He also edited a newspaper in New Orleans and participated in the California Gold Rush.
On 15 October, 1853 with just forty five men he set out onhis first filibustering expedition, the conquest of Baja California. However, lack of supplies and unexpected resistance by the Mexican government forced him to abandon the enterprise.
However a year later, with fifty six men he invaded Nicaragua, this time with more success and also support from Nicaraguan rebels. He managed to gain control of the country and install himself as president. On 20 May 1856 Walker's government was formally recognized in Washington by President Franklin Pierce. However Nicaragua was invaded by a coalition of other Central American States lead by Costa Rica and financed by Cornelius Vanderbilt who had had a cozy relationship with the previous regime. A year later, May 1857 Walker was driven from the country, he surrendered to the US Navy and repatriated.
Within six months he was off on another expedition but was arrested by the US Navy soon after landing at Punta Arenas and once again returned to the States. Over the next four years he made several other attempts to take over various Central American Countries.
Finally in 1860 he invaded Honduras. However he was soon in the custody of Captain Salmon of the British Navy. This proved to be serious mistake. Rather than returning him to the United States Captain Salmon handed him over to the Honduran authorities along with his fellow conspirators. They were all executed by firing squad, 12 September 1860.
Walker has been the subject of two films, both taking considerable liberties with his story: "Burn!" (1969) starring Marlon Brando and "Walker" (1987) starring Ed Harris.
William Walker should not be confused with David Walker, who was also alive during the 1820s.
