The Stelae of Independence, also known as Eagle Heads, are a set of commemorative monuments erected in Mexico in 1960 on the occasion of the sesquicentennial of Independence. The project, promoted by President Adolfo López Mateos, consisted of the placement of around 260 stelae distributed along the Hidalgo Route, marking the main points of the route followed by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and the Insurgente Army&action=edit&redlink=1 "Insurgente Army (1810-1811) (not yet written)") between Dolores Hidalgo and Chihuahua "Chihuahua (Chihuahua)").[1][2]​.

The commemorative program was designed by the National Commission of Civic Commemorations and executed by the Secretariat of Public Works "Secretaría de Obras Públicas (Mexico)"), under the supervision of the artists Tomás and José Chávez Morado. sixty.[3]​.

The first stele was inaugurated in Dolores Hidalgo on September 15, 1960 by President López Mateos, as part of the Sesquicentennial events.[4] Over the following months, more than 250 pieces were placed in ten states of the country, including Guanajuato, Querétaro, Michoacán, State of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Coahuila, Durango and Chihuahua.[5]​.

Each stela is composed of a truncated pyramidal base made of quarry or concrete on which a sculpture in the shape of an eagle's head is erected, a symbol of independence and the homeland. The word FREEDOM is read on the bird's chest, and the beak points in the direction that the insurgent troops followed. The simplicity of the design seeks to transmit strength, sobriety and historical continuity.[6]​.

The Chávez Morado brothers conceived the pieces as serial milestones of public art, manufactured in INBA workshops in Guanajuato, with repeatable molds to ensure formal uniformity throughout the entire route.[1]​.

The stelae were placed following the historical path of Hidalgo from the Grito de Dolores to his capture and execution in Chihuahua. The first sections included emblematic sites such as Hacienda de la Erre, the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, San Miguel de Allende, Comonfort, Celaya and Querétaro, later extending to the north of the country.