View source for Fernando Chamorro Alfaro

Fernando Chamorro Alfaro (1824–1863) was a Nicaraguan General and member of the governing junta from 1860 to 1863. A prominent Conservative Party supporter, he was influenced by his half-brother Fruto Chamorro during his youth. When Fruto died in 1855, political tensions escalated as Liberals invited filibuster William Walker to aid their cause, leading to civil war. Fernando organized an army under José María Estrada's leadership but faced defeat against Walker, forcing him and his troops to retreat to Honduras.

Upon Estrada's return in 1856, Fernando rejoined the government and played a key role in uniting forces against Walker. His strategic actions culminated in a decisive victory over American filibusters at San Jacinto Hacienda in 1857, leading to Walker's expulsion. Following this, two presidents representing opposing parties assumed office, with Conservative Tomás Martínez Guerrero becoming president and Fernando maintaining his support for him.

In 1860, during Martínez's absence, Fernando was designated acting president and issued a proclamation against Walker's renewed threat. Walker was later captured and killed in Honduras that year. However, Fernando met an assassin's fate on July 21, 1863, while defending Martínez from Maximo Jerez's coup attempt near Choluteca, Honduras.

Fernando hailed from a politically and economically influential family, with notable ancestors and relatives including multiple Nicaraguan presidents. His own marriage to Mercedes Quesada produced three children—Fernando, Alberto, and Saba—and his union with Ana Arguello Imeri resulted in another three—Francisco, Ana, and Alejandro. His legacy is intertwined with Nicaragua's 19th-century political struggles and military defense against foreign intervention.