Vargas Swamp Lancers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vargas Swamp Lancers |
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| Monumento a los Lanceros | |
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| Artist | Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt Eng. Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta |
| Year | 1970 |
| Type | sculpture |
| Location | Boyacá, Colombia |
The Vargas Swamp Lancers is a huge sculpture in Boyacá, Colombia. It's also known as the Monument to the Lancers (Monumento a los Lanceros in Spanish). This amazing artwork was created by the Colombian artist Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta.
The monument remembers a very important event: the Battle of Vargas Swamp. It shows the brave attack of 14 soldiers called lancers, led by Colonel Juan José Rondón. Standing 33 meters (about 108 feet) tall, it's the biggest monument in Colombia! It was officially opened in 1970, celebrating 150 years since Colombia declared its independence.
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The Battle of Vargas Swamp
A Key Moment in History
On July 25, 1819, a big battle happened in a place called Vargas Swamp. The Republican army, led by Simón Bolívar, was marching towards Santafé. They were tired after crossing a tough mountain pass. Suddenly, they faced the Spanish army, commanded by Colonel José María Barreiro.
The Brave Lancers' Charge
The swampy ground made it hard for Bolívar's army. The Spanish soldiers had an advantage. After some fighting, the Spanish cavalry tried to attack Bolívar's army from the side. This was a dangerous moment for the Republicans.
Then, Colonel Juan José Rondón, a hero from another battle, stepped forward. He led his small group of 14 lancers into action. These lancers were skilled horsemen from the Llano Arriba squadron, armed with long spears called lances. They charged right into the Spanish horsemen, who were crowded on a narrow path.
This sudden attack by the lancers changed everything! It was a turning point in the battle. Bolívar's main army quickly moved to support the lancers. The Spanish army lost about 500 soldiers and had to retreat.
The Heroes of the Charge
The 14 brave lancers (plus Colonel Rondón, making 15 in total) who made this famous charge were:
- Lieutenant Colonel Juan José Rondón
- Captain Julián Mellao
- Captain Valentin García
- Captain Miguel Lara
- Captain Domingo Mirabal
- Captain Caledonio Sánchez
- Lieutenant José de la Cruz Paredes
- Lieutenant Rozo Sánchez
- Lieutenant Pablo Matute
- Lieutenant Pedro Lancheros
- 2nd Lieutenant Bonifacio Gutiérrez
- 2nd Lieutenant Saturnino Gutiérrez
- 2nd Lieutenant Miguel Segovia
- 2nd Lieutenant Pablo Segovia
- 2nd Sergeant José Inocencio Chincá
The Monument's Design
A Sculpture in the Sky
The Vargas Swamp Lancers monument is a truly unique piece of art. It was designed by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta. The main part is a bronze sculpture. It shows the 14 soldiers and their horses, looking like they are flying through the air!
This bronze sculpture is held up by a large concrete structure. It makes the horses and riders seem to be suspended, capturing the energy and bravery of their famous charge. It's a powerful way to remember such an important moment in Colombian history.
See also
In Spanish: Lanceros del Pantano de Vargas para niños
