Battle of Palo Hincado
Palo Hincado, near El Seibo, Dominican Republic
What happened
Dominican forces backing Spain, led by Juan Sánchez Ramírez, fought French troops under Governor Jean-Louis Ferrand. France had ruled the eastern part of Hispaniola since 1795. Sánchez Ramírez, a local landowner, led an uprising to bring the colony back under Spain. On the savanna of Palo Hincado, his cavalry charged and quickly overwhelmed the smaller French force.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first major battle of the Spanish reconquest of Santo Domingo. Dominicans remember it as a symbol of their own will.
What came next
Sánchez Ramírez became governor, the first Dominican to hold that post, and the French in the capital were besieged. He is honoured as a 'Father of the Country'.
Did you know?
The name Palo Hincado is translated as 'Kneeling Stick'.
Timeline
- 1795Spain cedes Santo Domingo to France (Peace of Basel).
- 7 November 1808Battle of Palo Hincado.
- 13 December 1808Sánchez Ramírez becomes governor.
- 11 February 1811Sánchez Ramírez dies in Santo Domingo.