Walker, William (1824-1860), was an American filibuster (military adventurer). He tried to conquer parts of Mexico and, later, made himself ruler of Nicaragua. In 1853, he gathered a company of soldiers and tried to conquer Lower California and the state of Sonora, both in Mexico. He failed, and United States officials arrested him for violating neutrality laws. He was freed, and in 1855 led a successful revolution in Nicaragua. He ruled as president in 1856 and 1857 but then was forced to leave by Nicaraguans and other Central Americans.
Walker tried to regain power in Nicaragua in 1860 but was captured and executed in Honduras. He was born on May 8, 1824, in Nashville, Tennessee. He died on Sept. 12, 1860.
