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Falklands Expedition
Puerto-Soledad.PNG
A map of historic Puerto Soledad.
Date December 28, 1831 – January 22, 1832
Location
Port Louis, Falkland Islands
Result

United States victory

  • Americans rescued
  • Suspects captured
  • Island evacuated
  • Temporary severing of Argentina–United States relations
  • Indirectly resulted in reassertion of British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands
Belligerents
 United States  Argentina
Commanders and leaders
Silas Duncan Matthew Brisbane (POW)
Strength
1 sloop Unknown
Casualties and losses
None 7 captured
38 colonists evacuated

The Falklands Expedition happened in late 1831. It involved the United States Navy warship USS Lexington. This ship was sent to investigate a problem in the Puerto Luis settlement.

Three whaler ships had been taken there. The settlement was built by Luis Vernet on the old ruins of a Spanish prison colony called Puerto Soledad. Vernet wanted to control the hunting of seals in the islands. He took the ships because he said they broke his rules about sealing. However, US sealers did not agree with his authority and had ignored his rules.

What Happened?

When Captain Duncan arrived, he found one of the seized ships being prepared with guns. He then took six of the main officers from the settlement. They were held for acting without proper permission.

There is some disagreement about how much damage was done to the settlement. Captain Duncan reported that he disabled the settlement's guns and a powder storage area. Later, Vernet claimed that his settlement was badly damaged.

Leaving the Islands

The people living in the settlement complained about their living conditions. They also said that Vernet had misled them. Captain Duncan offered them a trip to the mainland. Most of the settlers chose to leave, but a small group stayed behind.

What Happened Next?

In late 1832, Argentine warships again challenged American sealers in the area. This made the US consul think about sending another ship. This time, the orders would be to sink the Argentine ship ARA Sarandi.

This situation then led the British to reassert their control over the islands. Historically, the Argentine government has disagreed with the United Kingdom about who owns the islands. This disagreement eventually led to the Falklands War in 1982.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ataque del USS Lexington a Puerto Soledad para niños

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