Battle of Río Bueno (1759) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Río Bueno
Part of Arauco War
Date January 27, 1759 Location Bueno River Result Disputed
Belligerents
Spanish Empire	Mapuche-Huilliche
Commanders and leaders
Juan Antonio Garretón	Catillanca Paidil

The Battle of Río Bueno in 1759 was an important fight between Spanish soldiers and the local Huilliche people. It happened near the Bueno River in what is now south-central Chile. The battle took place on January 27, 1759. The Spanish forces were led by Juan Antonio Garretón. This battle was unusual because the Spanish usually tried to be friends with the native groups in the area of Valdivia.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

Growing Spanish Lands

In the middle of the 1700s, the Spanish area of Valdivia started to grow its farms. This expansion mostly moved south. Most of the time, the Spanish tried to expand peacefully. However, sometimes there were fights with the native Huilliche people.

A Call for Help

In 1758, a Huilliche leader named Huarán asked the Spanish for help. He wanted Spanish soldiers to protect his lands from his enemies, the Cunco. The Governor of Valdivia, Ambrosio Sáes de Bustamante, agreed to help. This decision led to the Battle of Río Bueno in 1759.

What Was the Outcome?

Different Ideas About the Winner

Historians have different ideas about who won the Battle of Río Bueno.

• According to Diego Barros Arana, the Spanish won the battle.
• However, historian Salvador Rumian Cisterna believes that the Huilliche leaders, Catrillanca and Paidil, stopped the Spanish from moving further into their lands. This means the battle might have been a win for the Huilliche.

The Legend of the City of the Caesars

After the battle, some captured Huilliche people told the Spanish about hidden Spanish settlements deeper in native territory. This made people in Valdivia believe even more in the old legend of the City of the Caesars. This was a mythical city believed to be full of riches.

A man named Ignacio Pinuer was at the Battle of Río Bueno. He strongly believed the City of the Caesars was real. He even claimed that people from "the Caesars" helped the "Christian" (Spanish) side. He said they attacked the native forces from behind at night. Pinuer believed this attack helped the Spanish win the battle.