Battle of Ceja del Negro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ceja del Negro
Part of Cuban War of Independence
The main cavalry charge during the battle
Date October 4, 1896 Location Pinar del Río, Pinar del Río Province, Cuba Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antonio Maceo Juan Rius Rivera Vidal Ducasse	Colonel Granados
Strength
1,000 Mambises	2,000 Infantry
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Around 500

The Battle of Ceja del Negro was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on October 4, 1896. In this battle, soldiers from three different groups fought: foot soldiers (infantry), horse riders (cavalry), and those using cannons (artillery). Cuban forces were led by brave generals Antonio Maceo and Juan Rius Rivera. The Spanish troops were commanded by Colonel Granados.

Fighting at Ceja del Negro

The Cuban soldiers were moving slowly because they were also protecting many civilians. The battle started early in the morning, around eight o'clock. It continued all day until about five in the afternoon. General Maceo's troops kept fighting the last Spanish positions. One important Spanish spot was called El Guao, located near the Ceja del Negro hill.

Even though the Spanish army had more soldiers and better weapons, they could not win the battle. However, Colonel Granados used cannons to fire at the river crossing where the Cubans were. This caused many injuries, especially among the people who were not soldiers.

What Happened Next

General Maceo's victory at Ceja del Negro made the Spanish leader of the island, Valeriano Weyler, speed up his plans. He wanted to gather the Cuban civilians into special camps. His goal was to separate the independence fighters from the farmers who supported them.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Ceja del Negro para niños