Guanoalca facts for kids

Guanoalca (or Huenualca) was an important Mapuche leader, known as a toqui. He was chosen in 1586 after the previous leader, Cadeguala, died in a fight. Cadeguala was killed in a duel with the Spanish commander of the fort at Purén in 1586. Guanoalca continued the fight, forcing the Spanish to leave the fort, which he then destroyed.

Guanoalca's Battles

After becoming leader, Guanoalca went back to attack the Spanish fort at Purén. He surrounded the fort, forcing the Spanish soldiers to leave. Once they left, Guanoalca destroyed the fort.

Next, he led his army towards a new Spanish fort on the Marihueñu heights. But the fort was too strong to attack directly. So, Guanoalca changed his plan and attacked other Spanish forts instead. He attacked the new fort of Espíritu Santo. This fort was in the valley of Catirai, where the Tavolevo River meets the Bio Bio River. He also attacked the fort of Santísima Trinidad on the other side of the river. The Spanish governor, Alonso de Sotomayor, later left the Trinidad fort in 1591.

While Guanoalca was leading battles in the south near Villa Rica, another brave leader was fighting. A female leader named Janequeo led Mapuche and Pehuenche warriors against the Spanish.

Guanoalca, the respected toqui, passed away at the end of 1590. In 1591, Quintuguenu was chosen to be his successor.

See also