Juan Mora Fernández

1st elected head of state of Costa Rica (1784-1854)

Juan Mora Fernández (1784 San José - 1854) was Costa Rica's first elected head of state in 1825. He was considered a liberal and moved the capital from Cartago to San José. He is remembered for bringing in land reform. He followed a progressive course.

Jaun Mora Fernández
Head of State of Costa Rica
In office
7 April 1825 – 8 March 1829
Preceded byJuan Manuel de Cañas
Succeeded byhimself
In office
8 March 1829 – 8 March 1833
Preceded byhimself
Succeeded byJosé Rafael Gallegos Alvarado
Personal details
Born
Juan Mora Fernández

12 July 1783
San José, Costa Rica
Died16 December 1854
Political partyLiberal

Because of his land reforms, an elite class of powerful coffee barons was created. The barons eventually overthrew one of his later successors.