Battle of Las Taironas facts for kids

The Battle of Las Taironas was an important fight during the Cuban War of Independence. It happened on January 17, 1896, in Pinar del Río, Pinar del Río Province, Cuba. In this battle, Cuban forces, led by Major General Antonio Maceo, fought against Spanish troops. The Spanish were led by Lieutenant Colonel Ulpiano Sanchez Echevarria, who was actually from Cuba.

Quick facts for kids Battle of Las Taironas
Part of Cuban War of Independence and Invasion from East to West in Cuba
Date January 17, 1896 Location Pinar del Río, Pinar del Río Province, Cuba Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antonio Maceo	Ulpiano Sánchez Echevarría
Units involved
Céspedes Regiment Las Villas Regiment	Baza Battalion Isabel la Católica Regiment
Strength
1,560 Mambises	520 Infantry
Casualties and losses
12 killed, 49 Wounded	Source 1: 48 – 200 killed and wounded Source 2: 400 killed and wounded

What Led to the Battle?

This battle was part of a bigger plan called the Invasion from East to West in Cuba. General Antonio Maceo was leading Cuban forces across the island. He had separated from another leader, Máximo Gómez, in La Habana Province. Maceo's goal was to reach the very western end of Pinar del Río province.

The Spanish military command wanted to stop Maceo. Their leader, Arsenio Martínez Campos, had faced several defeats. He hoped to finally stop Maceo's advance at a place called Las Taironas. This was their last chance to halt the invasion.

The Battle Itself

During the fight at Las Taironas, the Cuban forces pushed back the Spanish troops. The battle was intense, and many Spanish soldiers were killed or wounded. The victory allowed the Mambises (Cuban rebel soldiers) to continue their invasion. This win opened the way for them to complete their march across Cuba.

However, the Cuban revolutionaries also suffered a sad loss. Dr. Federico de la Torre y Latte, an important person, was killed during the fighting.

What Happened After?

After the battle, the Cuban rebels gained a lot. They managed to capture 45 mules from the Spanish forces. This was a big help for their supplies and movement.

The defeat at Las Taironas was a major setback for Spain. It showed that General Martínez Campos's plan to stop Maceo had failed. Because of this failure, and because Maceo reached Guane on January 22, 1896, Captain General Martínez Campos had to resign from his position. This battle was a key moment in the Cuban War of Independence.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Las Taironas para niños