In 1859, Salgar enlisted in the army of General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera during the liberal uprising and the war against President Mariano Ospina Rodríguez.

During the presidential election of 1870, the radical wing of the liberal party nominated Salgar as its candidate.

The historical wing of the liberal party nominated General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera.

Salgar obtained the majority of the popular vote and was elected president for the two-years term.

[4] During his brief presidency, he founded and promoted the country's first railway company and the first corporation intended to provide social security.