Capture of Cayo Cocina facts for kids
The Capture of Cayo Cocina was a military event that happened on September 15, 1779. It was part of the Anglo-Spanish War. Spanish forces attacked a British settlement located on Saint George's Caye. This small island is off the coast of what is now Belize.
At that time, Saint George's Caye was the main British settlement in the area. Spanish soldiers from Captaincy General of Guatemala launched the attack.
What Happened to the Settlers?
The Spanish forces took everyone living in the settlement. This included 140 British settlers, often called "Baymen." They also captured about 250 people who worked for the settlers.
These captured people were forced to march a long way. They went overland from Bacalar to Mérida. After this difficult journey, they were sent by sea to Havana, a city in Cuba.
Some British settlers were working on the mainland when the attack happened. They managed to escape. They found safety in other nearby British settlements. These places included Roatán or Black River.
After the Capture
In 1782, the Spanish released the prisoners. They were sent to Jamaica, another British island.
The entire area of Belize was empty after the capture. No British settlers lived there until 1784. This was after the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This treaty officially confirmed that the British had rights to cut down trees in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Toma de Cayo Cocina para niños
