Battle of Las Queseras del Medio
Las Queseras del Medio, Apure, Venezuela
What happened
About 150 llanero lancers under José Antonio Páez fought Spanish cavalry under Pablo Morillo. During Venezuela's war of independence, Páez led his lancers across the Arauca River onto the open plains. Spanish cavalry rode out to surround them, and Páez pulled back. When the chasing Spanish horsemen became disordered, he ordered 'Vuelvan caras!' (turn and face) and his men turned and routed them.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It is one of the most famous episodes of Venezuela's independence struggle. Bolívar awarded Páez and his men the Cross of the Liberators.
What came next
Páez helped win the decisive Battle of Carabobo in 1821. He later became President of Venezuela.
Did you know?
Some historians think Páez actually shouted a ruder word than 'caras'.
Timeline
- 2 April 1819Battle of Las Queseras del Medio.
- 21 June 1821Battle of Carabobo.
- 1830Páez becomes President of Venezuela.
- 6 May 1873Páez dies in New York.