Battle of Ocho Rios facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Ocho Rios |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Anglo-Spanish War | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spain |
 The Protectorate |
||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi |
 Governor Edward D'Oyley |
||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 300 soldiers | 1,000 men | ||||||
The Battle of Ocho Rios, also known as the Battle of Las Chorreras, was a key fight in Jamaica. It happened on October 30, 1657. In this battle, a Spanish army led by Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi tried to take back the island. But they were defeated by the English forces, who were led by Governor Edward D'Oyley. This battle was part of the larger Anglo-Spanish War.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
England Takes Over Jamaica
England had taken control of Jamaica in 1655. This was part of a bigger conflict between England and Spain. After the English arrived, many of their soldiers got sick. The island's hot, tropical weather was very hard on them.
New Leaders for England
Because of the sickness, England had several governors in a short time. General Robert Sedgwick arrived in 1655 but died that same year. General William Brayne took over in 1656 but also died. Finally, General Edward D'Oyley became governor. He had been on the island for a while and was used to the tough conditions.
Spain Plans to Fight Back
Meanwhile, Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi, who used to be the Spanish governor of Jamaica, was hiding in the hills. He was with a group of people called maroons. These were formerly enslaved people who had escaped and lived freely. Isasi asked for help from Cuba to get Jamaica back for Spain.
The Battle of Ocho Rios
Spanish Forces Arrive
Isasi got his reinforcements from Cuba. They landed at a place called Las Chorreras, which is now known as Ocho Rios. Isasi had gathered about 300 soldiers and around 100 local fighters.
D'Oyley's Plan
Governor D'Oyley knew that Spanish ships were seen near the northern coast. He decided to attack them before they could get stronger. He sailed his force of about 900 fighters north to meet them.
The Fight and English Victory
D'Oyley's men landed near Ocho Rios. Close to Dunn's River Falls, they fought Isasi's forces. The battle was short, and D'Oyley's English troops won. Isasi had to run back into the hills. The rest of the Spanish soldiers were captured. They were later sent back to Cuba.
After the Battle
Another Attempt at Rio Nuevo
Isasi did not give up. In 1658, he tried again to take back Jamaica. This time, he had more help from New Spain (which is now Mexico). He also had a fort at a place called Rio Nuevo.
D'Oyley Wins Again
But just like at Ocho Rios, D'Oyley sailed north to meet him. In the Battle of Rio Nuevo, D'Oyley defeated Isasi once more. This second victory further secured English control over Jamaica.
See also
- History of Jamaica
- Military history of Britain
- Spanish Empire
