In the present article, we have the pretension to describe the different circles undertaken by Juan Jos Nieto in order to enter the political scene of 19th century Colombia. Juan Jos Nieto Gil was born in Tubar , on June 24, 1804, a former Indian village in the District of Tierradentro, Province of Cartagena (today's Department of Atl ntico). He died in Cartagena on July 24, 1866. With no formal schooling, Juan Jos Nieto is one of the black leaders who played an important role in the construction of the modern Colombian state in the 19th century. It is noteworthy here that this man has spent almost all his life fighting for the defence of federalism as a form of government of great relevance capable of turning Colombia during the period of the New Granada into a territory characterized by respect for the democratic bases.