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The memorial to Ambrose O’Higgins was dedicated by the Chilean Ambassador in 1999 and is located about 100 meters from ArrowRock Hostel.
Ambrose was born in Ballynary in 1720, the exact place is unknown although some think he may have been born in the original hostel building. He is often referred to as Ambrosio O’Higgins and his full title gives some idea of his colourful life.
Don Ambrosio O'Higgins,
1st Barón de Ballinar and 1st Marquis de Osorno,
Viceroy for the King of Spain in Peru and Chile from 1796-1801.
Ambrose O'Higgins , is best known as the father of Bernardo O'Higgins, the South American-born hero of Chile's independence although another claim to fame for Ambrose might well be Chile's postal system.
On his first crossing of the Andes between Argentina and Chile, Ambrose came up with the idea of a chain of weatherproof shelters. Within a couple of years thanks to his efforts, Chile enjoyed an
all-year overland postal service with Argentina, when previously
they had been cut off for several months each winter.
Ambrose O’Higgins left Ireland and ended up in Cadiz (Spain) in 1751.
He was able to emigrate legally to Spanish America in 1756. In around 1760, Ambrosio O'Higgins enrolled in the Spanish Imperial Service as draughtsman and later an engineer.
Don Ambrosio O'Higgins became Viceroy of Peru and Governor of Chile in 1796.
In recognition of his success as an administrator in the Spanish colonies he was created Barón de Ballinar by the King Carlos III
of Spain in 1788 and Marquis de Osorno by
King Carlos IV of Spain in 1792.
In his time in Peru he founded San Ambrosio de Ballenar in Peru and was based in the City of Osorno when in Chile.
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