Juan Rafael Mora

Mora, Juan Rafael (1814–1860), president of Costa Rica (1849–59). His accomplishments included creating a public school system, building public buildings, establishing the first Costa Rican national bank, and promoting the coffee industry. Considered a hero for his defense of Central America in 1956 and 1957 against William Walker of the United States, he was nevertheless ousted by rebels in 1859 and executed during a revolution in 1860.

See also: Costa Rica.