Battle of Callao
Callao, Lima's port, Peru
What happened
A Spanish fleet under Admiral Casto Méndez Núñez attacked the Peruvian port of Callao, defended by forces under President Mariano Ignacio Prado and War Minister José Gálvez. In a war between Spain and several former Spanish colonies in South America, a Spanish fleet attacked Peru's main port. Spanish ships, including ironclads, exchanged fire for hours with Peru's coastal forts. Several ships were damaged, and by late afternoon the Spanish stopped firing and withdrew; War Minister Gálvez fell.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Both sides claimed victory, but it was the last battle of the war between Spain and Peru. Spain's Pacific expedition ended soon afterwards.
What came next
The Spanish fleet left the Pacific, and the expedition officially ended in 1868. A formal peace was not signed until 1879.
Did you know?
Peruvians call the battle 'Dos de Mayo' (2 May), and before the Battle of Lissa that year an Austrian admiral told his crews to 'imitate the Spanish at Callao'.
Timeline
- 2 May 1866The Battle of Callao.
- 20 July 1866Austria wins at Lissa.
- 1868Spain's Pacific expedition officially ends.
- 1879Spain and Peru sign a peace treaty.