Battles & Campaigns · 1817
Battle of San Félix
Chirica mesa, Guayana, Venezuela
What happened
Republican forces under Manuel Piar fought Spanish troops under Miguel de la Torre. The Spanish column was marching to the Capuchin missions on the Caroní to get its supplies back when it met Piar's force. The battle lasted only about half an hour, and the republicans won mainly through their stronger cavalry.
Why it matters
It gave the patriots the rich Guayana region and control of the Orinoco River, a key route for transport and trade.
What came next
The Spanish abandoned Angostura later that month.
Did you know?
The whole battle lasted only about thirty minutes.
Timeline
- Early 1817Piar besieges Angostura.
- 11 Apr 1817Battle of San Félix.
- 17 Apr 1817Spanish abandon Angostura.