Battle of Salta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Salta |
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| Part of the Argentine War of Independence | |||||||
 Battle of Salta |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Provinces of Río de la Plata |
 Spanish Empire Viceroyalty of Peru |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Manuel Belgrano |
Juan Pío de Tristán  |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 3.000 soldiers 12 cannons |
3.400 soldiers 10 cannons |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 103 dead 433 injured |
481 dead 114 injured 2,776 prisoners 10 cannons 2,118 muskets |
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The Battle of Salta was a big fight that happened on February 20, 1813. It took place near the city of Salta in what is now Argentina. This battle was part of the Argentine War of Independence, when Argentina was fighting to become free from Spain.
General Manuel Belgrano led the Army of the North. They won against the Spanish royalist troops, led by General Pío de Tristán. This was their second victory against Tristán, after winning the Battle of Tucumán earlier. The royalist troops gave up completely. This win helped Argentina control most of its northern lands.
Why the Battle Happened
Building a Stronger Army
After winning the Battle of Tucumán, General Belgrano used the time to make his army stronger. For four months, he worked hard to improve his soldiers. He made them more disciplined and trained them better. He also found enough new men to double the size of his army.
The artillery (big guns) that Tristán's army left behind after the last battle helped Belgrano. He used these cannons to make up for his army's lack of equipment.
Marching Towards Salta
In early January, Belgrano's army slowly started marching towards Salta. On February 11, they reached the Juramento River. There, the army swore to be loyal to the Assembly of the Year XIII. This was a new government group that had just started meeting in Buenos Aires. They also swore loyalty to the new national flag.
Royalist Defenses in Salta
Meanwhile, General Tristán had been busy making Salta's defenses stronger. He fortified a place called Portezuelo pass. This was the only way to get into the city through the hills from the southeast. Tristán thought this would make it impossible for Belgrano's army to attack.
However, Belgrano's new soldiers knew the local area well. Captain Apolinario Saravia, who was from Salta, offered to guide the army. He knew a high path that led to Chachapoyas. This path would let them connect to the north road that went to Jujuy. This area had no strong defenses.
Sneaking Through the Terrain
Under the cover of rain, Belgrano's army marched slowly through the rough land. It was hard to move their equipment and cannons. On February 18, they reached a field and set up camp. Captain Saravia, dressed as a local, guided a mule train with firewood into the city. He wanted to secretly check where Tristán's army was positioned. A group of volunteers, led by a local noblewoman named Martina Silva de Gurruchaga, also came to help Belgrano.
The Battle of Salta
Planning the Attack
On February 19, thanks to Saravia's information, Belgrano's army marched. Their plan was to attack the enemy troops early the next morning. Tristán heard about their advance. He quickly moved his troops to get ready for the fight. He placed a group of fusiliers (soldiers with muskets) on the side of San Bernardo hill. He also made his left side stronger and set up his 10 cannons.
The Fight Begins
On the morning of February 20, Tristán ordered his army to march in formation. His infantry (foot soldiers) were in the middle. A group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) was on each side. A strong reserve group, led by Martín Dorrego, was kept ready.
At first, the defenders had the upper hand. Belgrano's left-side cavalry found it hard to reach the enemy shooters. This was because the land was very steep. Before noon, Belgrano ordered his reserve troops to attack these positions. His cannons fired grapeshot (small metal balls) at the enemy.
Breaking Through Defenses
Dorrego, leading the cavalry, pushed forward towards the fence around the city. This plan worked well. Groups of infantry, led by Carlos Forest, Francisco Pico, and José Superí, broke through the enemy lines. They entered the city streets, blocking the royalists' escape route in the center. The same fence that the royalists had built to protect themselves now made it hard for them to retreat.
Surrender and Aftermath
Finally, the royalist troops gathered in the main square. Tristán decided to surrender and ordered the church bells to ring. An envoy (a messenger) talked with General Belgrano. They agreed that the royalists would leave the city the next day in formation, with military honors. They would give up their weapons.
Belgrano promised that the royalist soldiers would be safe and free. In return, they had to swear not to fight against the rebels again. Tristán later changed sides and fought for the independentists in Bolivia. The prisoners taken before the surrender were later set free. This was in exchange for men that Goyeneche had captured in Upper Peru.
Generosity and Recognition
The next day, 2,786 of Tristán's men surrendered. They gave up over 2,000 muskets, swords, pistols, carbines, 10 cannons, and their supplies. Belgrano was very generous. He hugged Tristán and let him keep his command symbols. They were personal friends, having been classmates and roommates in Spain.
Belgrano's kindness surprised people in Buenos Aires. But his clear victory silenced any critics. He was even offered a prize of 40,000 pesos by the Assembly. Belgrano refused the money. He asked for it to be used instead to build schools in Tucumán, Salta, Jujuy, and Tarija.
Remembering the Battle
Governor Feliciano Chiclana placed a wooden cross on the common grave. This was where 480 royalist and 103 independentist soldiers were buried. The cross had the words "A los vencedores y vencidos" (To the victors and the vanquished). Today, a monument called the February 20th monument marks the spot. It was designed by Torquat Tasso and made from local stone. The carvings on the sides were designed by the famous sculptor Lola Mora.
After this victory, Belgrano's army continued north. They went to fight the forces of Joaquín de la Pezuela. However, two big defeats at Vilcapugio and Ayohuma ended this second campaign for the Army of the North.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Salta para niños
Images for kids
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A painting showing the Battle of Salta.
