José Santos Gutiérrez Prieto (October 24, 1820 - February 6, 1872), was a Colombian statesman and soldier, who became president of the Sovereign State of Boyacá, and later elected as president of the United States of Colombia for the term of 1868-1870.

[2] Gutiérrez’ family moved to Bogotá in order to provide him with adequate and high education.

Gutiérrez completed his high school education in the Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé, where he later studied jurisprudence and obtained his lawyer degree.

[1] In 1851, Gutiérrez entered the military academy and demonstrated an amazing talent and ability.

In the battle of “La Concepción”, on August 29, 1860, he is wounded in action while, once again, saving the life of General Mosquera.