Battle of Rio Nuevo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Rio Nuevo |
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| Part of the Anglo-Spanish wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spain |
 England |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi |
Edward D'Oyley |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 560 soldiers, 50 Spanish guerrillas 4 transports |
700 soldiers and militias 10 ships |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 300 killed or wounded 150 prisoners 4 ships captured |
60 casualties | ||||||
The Battle of Rio Nuevo was a big fight that happened in Jamaica between June 25 and 27, 1658. It was part of the wars between England and Spain. Spanish forces, led by Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi, tried to take back the island from English forces, led by Governor Edward D'Oyley. The English won a clear victory. This battle was the largest ever fought on the island of Jamaica.
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What Happened Before the Battle?
In 1655, English forces took over the island of Jamaica. Admiral Sir William Penn and General Robert Venables led this takeover. They successfully defended the island against two attempts by Spain to get it back.
The former Spanish governor of Jamaica, Don Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi, tried to recapture the island. He brought forces from Cuba in mid-1657. However, the English, led by acting governor Colonel Edward D'Oyley, pushed them back at the Battle of Ocho Rios.
On May 20, 1658, Isasi tried again with more soldiers. These new soldiers were from New Spain (modern-day Mexico). They were called the Tercios Mexicano, or Mexican Regiment. Isasi also had four ships to carry his troops and weapons.
In total, his invasion force had 31 captains, 31 ensigns (junior officers), 28 sergeants, and 467 soldiers. While their ships waited near the mouth of the Rio Nuevo river, three English scout ships found them. The Spanish fired at them, and the English ships left.
The English scouts reported back to D'Oyley. He quickly gathered all his available soldiers and local fighters. Meanwhile, the Spanish built up their camp with defenses. About 50 local Spanish fighters, called guerrillas, joined them.
The Battle Begins
On June 25, D'Oyley had gathered 700 soldiers and local fighters. He also had ten ships to transport them. The English troops landed near the Rio Nuevo river.
The English then captured the Spanish transport ships. This meant the Spanish invaders had no way to escape by sea. Seeing this, the Spanish decided to make a stand. They hid behind their newly built defenses.
The English did not attack directly. Instead, they fired cannons and muskets at the Spanish position for two days. Their powerful weapons caused a lot of damage. When the remaining Spanish tried to break out, most were killed or captured.
What was left of the Spanish invasion force ran into the hills and jungle. They had lost over 300 soldiers who were either killed or wounded. About 150 Spanish soldiers were taken prisoner. The English also captured eleven flags, six guns, and most of their weapons. The English had about sixty casualties (killed or wounded). Sadly, many wounded soldiers on both sides later died from tropical diseases.
What Happened After?
The winning English forces moved the captured Spanish cannons. They took them to 'The Point' and to Fort Cromwell. They used these cannons to make their own defenses stronger.
Isasi tried to keep fighting until 1660. He finally escaped from what is now the Tower Isle resort area. He fled to Cuba by canoe with his remaining supporters. To stop Spain from trying to take Jamaica back again, the English, led by Christopher Myngs, attacked Spanish ports. They attacked places like Santa Marta and Tolu. This forced the Spanish to focus on defending their own lands.
The Battle of Rio Nuevo was the last time Spain tried to recapture Jamaica. Spain officially gave up the island to England in 1670. This was agreed upon in the Treaty of Madrid.
The Battlefield Today
The Rio Nuevo Battle Site Heritage Park and Museum opened in August 2009. You can visit it to learn more about this important battle.
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