Battle of Juncal
Juncal Island, Uruguay River
What happened
The navy of the United Provinces of the River Plate under Admiral William Brown fought a Brazilian squadron under Jacinto Roque de Sena Pereira. In the Cisplatine War, Brazil sent a squadron up the Uruguay River to cut Argentine supply lines. The two fleets, of about equal size, fought at long range until a storm separated them. The next day Brown attacked, capturing the Brazilian flagship and many other ships.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was Argentina's biggest naval victory of the Cisplatine War. The Brazilian river squadron was destroyed.
What came next
Argentina won on land at Ituzaingó soon after. The war ended with a peace that made the disputed province the independent state of Uruguay.
Did you know?
William Brown was born in Foxford, Ireland, and is called the 'father of the Argentine Navy'; statues of him stand in Buenos Aires, Foxford and Dublin.
Timeline
- 22 June 1777William Brown is born in Ireland.
- 8-9 February 1827Brown wins at Juncal.
- 20 February 1827Argentina wins at Ituzaingó.
- 4 October 1827Brown serves as commissioner at the Treaty of Montevideo.