Battles & Campaigns · 1826
Battle of Quilmes
Río de la Plata, off Quilmes, Argentina
What happened
A Brazilian fleet under James Norton fought an Argentine squadron under William Brown. During the Cisplatine War, Brown tried to surprise the Brazilian ships at night but failed. The next day Norton split his fleet and attacked from two sides. After about three hours the Argentine ships escaped into shallow water, but Brown's flagship was wrecked.
Why it matters
It was a Brazilian victory in the war over the Banda Oriental (today's Uruguay). Brazil kept control of the River Plate.
What came next
The war went on. In 1827 Brown won at Juncal but lost at Monte Santiago.
Did you know?
The badly damaged flagship, 25 de Mayo, capsized in a storm after the battle.
Timeline
- 29–30 Jul 1826Battle of Quilmes.
- 8–9 Feb 1827Argentine victory at Juncal.
- 7–8 Apr 1827Brazilian victory at Monte Santiago.
- 1828Uruguay becomes independent.