O'Higgins Square, Richmond

A piece of South American history can be found in Richmond, in O'Higgins Square named after Bernardo O' Higgins first modern leader of Chile. He studied in Richmond between 1794-1796 at Clarence house, in the Vineyard, which used to be a school.

Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme (August 20, 1778 - October 24, 1842), South American independence leader, was one of the commanders – together with José de San Martín – of the military forces that freed Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence. Although he was the second Supreme Director of Chile (1817–23), O'Higgins was the first holder of this title to head a fully independent Chilean state.

There is also a plaque in his honour in Merrion Square in Dublin and in the Garavogue River Walkway in Sligo, Ireland, and a sculpture near Central Railway Station in Plaza Iberoamericana, near 58 Chalmers St Sydney, Australia. In Buenos Aires, there is a large statue of him in the centre of the Plaza República de Chile. A plaque has also been erected in Cadiz, Spain, in the Plaza de Candalaria, where he resided for four years.

Chile's Highest award for a foreign citizen is named in honour of O'Higgins as well as the international airport in Santiago.

http://www.bernardoohiggins.cl/