Battles & Campaigns · 1823
Battle of Jenipapo
Jenipapo River, near Campo Maior, Piauí, Brazil
What happened
Brazilian militia led by Luís Rodrigues Chaves fought Portuguese troops under João José da Cunha Fidié. During the Brazilian War of Independence, local people from Piauí, many untrained and armed mostly with farm tools, hid along a dry riverbed to block Fidié's march. After about five hours of fighting, the Brazilians withdrew.
Why it matters
The Portuguese won, but the resistance stopped them reaching the provincial capital, Oeiras. It is remembered as important for Brazilian independence.
What came next
Fidié was later captured after the siege of Caxias and sent back to Portugal.
Did you know?
The battle's date is now on the flag of the state of Piauí.
Timeline
- 8 Nov 1822Brazilian victory at Pirajá in Bahia.
- 13 Mar 1823Battle of Jenipapo.
- 16 Mar 1823Fidié leaves Campo Maior.
- 2 Jul 1823Portuguese surrender at Salvador.