On 16 October 1795, he enters the historical chronicle when he joined the militia of the State of San Luis Potosí as a dragoon sergeant.

He later was a part of the military corps under the command of General Félix María Calleja del Rey, who would later become Viceroy of New Spain, at the outbreak of the Mexican War of Independence.

During the First Mexican Empire, he fought in the Battle of Almolonga on the side of Agustin de Iturbide and the imperialists against the republican rebels.

Whilst fleeing the field of battle, he was caught by Álvarez' pursuing troops in a gully and was hacked to death shortly thereafter.

[2] José Gabriel de Armijo has been portrayed in various movies and books as he is a character that is significant in Mexican history.