First Battle of Terrenate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of Terrenate |
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| Part of the Apache-Mexico Wars | |||||||
 Fort Santa Cruz de Terrenate in southern Arizona. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spain |
Apache | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Francisco Tovar † |
unknown | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| ~56 | unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 30 killed | unknown | ||||||
The First Battle of Terrenate happened on July 7, 1776. It was a fight between Spanish soldiers and Apache warriors. This battle took place in what is now southern Arizona, near a fort called Presidio Santa Cruz de Terrenate. It was an important event during the time Spain controlled this area.
Contents
Building Fort Terrenate
Choosing the Location
The place for Fort Santa Cruz de Terrenate was picked on August 22, 1775. Colonel Hugo O'Conor chose the spot. He was in charge of moving Spanish forts in the Sonoran area. The fort was built on a bluff overlooking the San Pedro River. This high ground helped protect the fort naturally on three sides.
Fort Design and Features
The fort's walls were built in a large square shape. One corner had a triangular bastion, a part of the wall that sticks out. This bastion helped protect the two front walls and the main gate. A two-story guardhouse also protected the main entrance.
Inside the fort, there were many buildings. These included adobe-walled homes and jacals (simple huts). These were for the families of the soldiers. There was also a small barracks for the soldiers. The fort had an officer's quarters, a chapel, and a central plaza. The area around the fort had good grass for animals, wood, and water.
The Soldiers and Their Gear
The fort's group of soldiers was called a garrison. It had Captain Francisco Tovar as the commander. There were also fifty-six "soldados de cuera," which means "leather jacket soldiers." They were called this because of their tough leather armor.
At the time of the battle, the fort was still being built. Heavy weapons like artillery had not yet arrived. The soldiers fought with pistols and muskets. They also used traditional weapons like bows, swords, and lances. For protection, they carried adargas, which were leather shields.
The Battle of Terrenate
Apache Attacks Begin
The Spanish soldiers did not have to wait long for trouble. Apache warriors soon began to bother the settlement. They attacked anyone who went out for water. They also attacked those trying to plant crops in the nearby fields. The Apaches were interested in the many horses kept at the fort. They would often steal the horse herds when they were not guarded. The Apaches also burned the crop fields and the simple huts.
The Main Fight
The big battle on July 7, 1776, was not the first fight. But it was a very important one. Some old records said it happened at the fort. However, new research shows it happened along the San Pedro River. This was some distance from the unfinished fort.
The Spanish soldiers saw the Apache warriors crossing the San Pedro River. Even though they were not fully ready, the Spanish chased them. The Apaches fought back with their bows and arrows. They pushed the Spanish soldiers back. The Spanish eventually crossed the river, but then they were surrounded. The fight was long and hard. The Spanish commander, Captain Tovar, and 29 of his men were killed. Some Apaches were also killed or hurt, but the exact numbers are not known. A few Spanish soldiers survived to tell what happened.
After the Battle
New Commander and Reinforcements
In August, the fort finally got a shipment of weapons. Captain Francisco Ignacio de Trespalacios took over as the new commander. He brought more soldiers, increasing their number to eighty-three men.
Continued Conflicts
In mid-November 1776, Captain Trespalacios led thirty soldiers to a mission in Magdalena. This area is now in modern-day Mexico. When they arrived, they found that forty Apaches had attacked the settlement. They had stolen things, killed the people, and burned the church. This sad event became known as the Magdalena Massacre.
Apache attacks on Fort Terrenate continued to be very strong. Over just four years, about 98 Spanish soldiers died while serving there. Three of these dead soldiers were commanders.
- On September 24, 1778, Captain Francisco Trespalacios and 27 of his soldiers were killed.
- From November 1778 to February 1779, 39 more soldiers died.
- In May 1779, Captain Luis del Castille was also killed.
Images for kids
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Fort Santa Cruz de Terrenate in southern Arizona.
