Battle of the Catalina River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Catalina River
Part of the Mexican Apache Wars Mexican Navajo Wars
Date March 21, 1784 Location Catalina River, Arizona 32°26′13″N 110°29′31″W / 32.437°N 110.492°W / 32.437; -110.492 Result Spanish victory, successful Navajo/Apache delaying action.
Belligerents
Spain	Apache Navajo
Commanders and leaders
Tomás Equrrola	Chiquito
Strength
30 native scouts 12 cavalry 5 militia	~500 warriors
Casualties and losses
unknown	14 killed

The Battle of the Catalina River was a fight that happened on March 21, 1784. It took place during the time when Spain was trying to control the area we now call Arizona. This battle involved Apache and Navajo warriors fighting against Spanish soldiers and local Tucson fighters.

The Battle Begins

After the Tucson Raid

The battle happened right after another event called the Fourth Battle of Tucson. In that earlier fight, Apache and Navajo warriors had attacked Tucson. After their raid, they started to leave and headed towards the Catalina Mountains.

The Chase Begins

A group of Spanish soldiers and Pima scouts decided to chase them. They wanted to catch up with the Apache and Navajo warriors. The Pima people were local allies who helped the Spanish.

Joining Forces

The Spanish group got stronger when thirty Pima scouts joined them. These scouts came from nearby towns like Tupson and San Xavier. In total, the Spanish force had forty-eight men. This included five citizens from Tucson who were helping as local fighters, plus twelve men who guarded the horses.

Catching Up

The Spanish and Pima force left Tucson. After only about forty-five minutes, they caught up with the Apache and Navajo groups. This happened at the bottom of the Catalina Mountains. The area was also near the Catalina River, which was its name back then.

The Fight Unfolds

Native Strategy

When the Apache and Navajo warriors saw the Spanish approaching, they split into two groups. Most of the warriors, about 400 out of 500, continued moving up the mountain. The other 100 warriors stayed behind. Their job was to slow down the Spanish. This clever plan would give the main Apache and Navajo force time to get away safely.

Spanish Attack

Lieutenant Tomás Equrrola was in charge of the Spanish troops. His soldiers fought bravely against the 100 warriors who stayed behind. During this part of the battle, the Spanish killed fourteen warriors. Many others were hurt.

Chief Chiquito Wounded

Among those wounded was a very important leader named Chief Chiquito. He was the one who had led the raid on Tucson. The Spanish and Pima forces also had some casualties, but the exact number is not known.

The Outcome

Eventually, the group of 100 native warriors was defeated. The Spanish cavalry tried to chase the main Apache and Navajo force up the mountain. However, they were not able to catch them. The smaller group of warriors had successfully delayed the Spanish, allowing the larger force to escape.