Battle of Coyotepe Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Coyotepe Hill
Part of the Nicaraguan civil war (1912), Occupation of Nicaragua, Banana Wars
Two Marines with Coyotepe Hill in the background in October 1912.
Date 3-4 October 1912 Location near Masaya, Nicaragua Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Rebels
Commanders and leaders
Joseph H. Pendleton Smedley Butler	Benjamín Zeledón
Strength
850 marines 100 sailors 2 artillery pieces	350 militia 4 artillery pieces 2 forts
Casualties and losses
4 killed 10 wounded	32 killed

The Battle of Coyotepe Hill was an important fight that happened in Nicaragua in 1912. It was part of a time when the United States had troops in Nicaragua. This battle was during a rebellion led by a general named Luis Mena against the Nicaraguan president, Adolfo Díaz.

Coyotepe is an old fort located on a 500-foot hill. This hill was very important because it overlooked the main railroad line. It was near the city of Masaya, which is about halfway between Nicaragua's capital, Managua, and another big city, Granada, Nicaragua.

What Happened at Coyotepe Hill?

Rebels Refuse to Surrender

From October 2 to 4, 1912, a group of Nicaraguan rebels were holding Coyotepe Hill. Their leader was General Benjamín Zeledón. They also held another nearby hill called Barranca fort. Both hills were important because they watched over the railroad.

The rebels refused to give up to the government troops led by President Adolfo Díaz.

Marines Prepare for Attack

U.S. Marine Major Smedley Butler and his group of Marines had already fought with Zeledón's rebels on September 19. After capturing Granada, Nicaragua, Butler's Marines returned on October 3. They started shelling the rebel fort on Coyotepe Hill.

Storming the Hill

In the early morning hours of October 4, Major Butler's Marines worked together with two other Marine groups. One group was from the USS California ship. All these groups were led by Marine Colonel Joseph H. Pendleton.

They attacked Coyotepe Hill from different directions. The Marines stormed the hill and successfully captured it. During the battle, General Zeledón was killed. It is believed that his own men might have killed him.

After the Battle

Coyotepe Fortress entrance

After the U.S. Marines captured the city of León, Nicaragua two days later, and Nicaraguan government troops took back Masaya, the rebellion of 1912 was mostly over.

Later, during a time when Nicaragua was ruled by a family called Somoza, the Coyotepe fort was used as a prison.

Images for kids

• 

  The entrance to Coyotepe Fortress.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Coyotepe para niños