Designed by Aniceto Marinas, it is a memorial to Luis Daoiz y Torres and Pedro Velarde y Santillán, two Spanish artillery officers who fell fighting against the French army at the 1808 Dos de Mayo Uprising, in the context of the Peninsular War.

The laying of the foundation stone was held on 6 May 1908,[1] on the occasion of the festivities taking place in early May for the 100th anniversary of the Dos de Mayo uprising.

[2] An allegory of History lies on the steps of the pedestal;[2] it is sculpted on white marble, contrasting with a bronze relief depicting the last stand at the Monteleón artillery barracks.

[2] The other relief shows Daoiz rallying the people of Madrid, engaged in a desperate struggle against the French troops.

[2] The allegorical figure of Spain tops off the monument, holding the dying bodies of the two artillerymen in her arms, wrapped in the national flag.