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BATTLE // May 18, 1811

Battle of Las Piedras

Overview

The Battle of Las Piedras was fought on May 18, 1811 as part of the Rio de la Plata war of independence. It was a resounding victory for the revolutionary forces, led by José Gervasio Artigas.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of Las Piedras, fought on May 18, 1811, was a decisive engagement in the Rio de la Plata war of independence. The revolutionary forces under José Gervasio Artigas defeated the Spanish force commanded by José Posadas, inflicting casualties that ranged between 100 and 500 on the Spanish side. The two forces were closely matched in size — Spain fielding 1,004 troops against the revolutionaries' 1,076 — making the outcome a meaningful demonstration that patriot forces could overcome organized Spanish resistance in the field. The victory strengthened the position of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata in the broader independence struggle and established Artigas as a significant military commander in the River Plate region.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Spain1,004
    medium
  • United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata1,076
    medium

Both sides were near-evenly matched in numbers

Casualties

  • Espagne100–500
    medium

Commanders (2)

United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata

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6 sibling battles · 1 factions

Last verified June 2026
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