Ignacio de la Carrera

Ignacio de la Carrera y Cuevas (1747–1819) was a Chilean aristocrat, member of the First Government Junta of Chile, and father of the Carrera brothers, who were some of the most important leaders of the early Chilean struggles for independence during the period of the Patria Vieja ("Old Republic").

He began his military career at the end of the 18th century by joining the militia, and later, in 1777, the Prince's Cavalry Regiment.

Notwithstanding his military career, he continued taking care of the family business, and was considered one of the wealthiest men in Chile.

In 1814, when the Spanish authorities resumed power in Chile, he was arrested and sent exiled to the Juan Fernández Islands.

The Chilean government forced him to pay the cost of the public execution of his sons in Argentina.