Gregorio Pacheco

Who was Gregorio Pacheco?

Gregorio Pacheco Leyes was the constitutional President of Bolivia from 1884 to 1888. A native of Livilivi, Province of Potosí, Pacheco won a disputed election that was a virtual three-way tie between him, Conservative leader Aniceto Arce, and Liberal chief Eliodoro Camacho. Pacheco was self-made a wealthy man and the country's foremost philanthropist. He made his money purchasing shares in defunct silver mines which he rehabilitated. By the mid 19th century Pacheco emerged as a wealthy, efficient, progressive, and pragmatic silver tycoon. Bolivia's state of instability, fraught with coups and international conflicts concerned him greatly.