Battle of la Tablada de Tolomosa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of la Tablada de Tolomosa
Part of Bolivian War of Independence Argentine War of Independence
The Battle of La Tablada from Tarija's Historical Archives
Date April 15, 1817 Location Tarija, Bolivia 21°32′18.4″S 64°49′31.2″W / 21.538444°S 64.825333°W / -21.538444; -64.825333 Result United Provinces victory
Belligerents
United Provinces of South America Republiquetas	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Gregorio Aráoz de Lamadrid	Mateo Ramírez
Casualties and losses
2 killed	62 killed 334 prisoners

The Battle of La Tablada de Tolomosa was an important fight for freedom. It happened on April 15, 1817, near the town of Tarija in what is now southern Bolivia. This battle was part of the larger Bolivian War of Independence and the Argentine War of Independence.

In this battle, local freedom fighters, led by Eustaquio Méndez, teamed up with soldiers from the Army of the North. These soldiers were from Argentina and were led by Gregorio Aráoz de Lamadrid. They fought against the royalist forces, who were loyal to Spain. The royalist troops were commanded by Colonel Mateo Ramírez.

What Was the Battle of La Tablada?

This battle was a key moment in the fight for independence from Spain. It showed how local groups and larger armies worked together. The goal was to free Tarija from Spanish control.

Who Were the Main Leaders?

Several brave leaders helped direct the local groups, called militias or Montoneros.

• Eustaquio Méndez: A well-known local leader.
• José María Avilés: Another important local figure.
• Francisco Pérez de Uriondo: A colonel from Tarija. He worked closely with General Martín Miguel de Güemes, who led many guerrilla fighters.

The Spanish forces were led by Colonel Mateo Ramírez. His troops had taken control of the center of Tarija and had strong defenses.

How Did the Battle Happen?

The local Montoneros guerrillas were already surrounding Tarija. They were bothering Ramírez's Spanish troops. The leaders from Tarija had more than 1,000 men ready to fight.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Aráoz de Lamadrid was on his way. He was coming from Argentina with about 500 soldiers. His group included Hussars (a type of cavalry) and militias from Tucumán Province.

As Lamadrid got close to Tarija, he heard that the local forces were already fighting Ramírez's troops. He moved his soldiers down the hills at Tolomosa. There, he met Méndez, who he knew from before.

Lamadrid's small force was already fighting the Spanish. When Méndez and his men arrived, they attacked the Spanish left side. Lamadrid attacked the center. This combined attack was too much for the royalists. They were defeated and had to run away. The Army of the North and the local militias then took control of Tarija.

What Happened After the Battle?

After their big victory, the revolutionary forces went back to their camp. Their Argentine commander, Lamadrid, released the Spanish prisoners. Colonel Ramírez and other royalist officers surrendered.

One of the captured officers was Andrés de Santa Cruz. He later changed sides and joined the revolutionary forces in Peru. This battle was a big win for those fighting for independence. It helped push the Spanish out of Tarija.

Images for kids

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  The Battle of La Tablada from Tarija's Historical Archives

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Tarija para niños