Battle of San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo, Santa Fe Province, Argentina
What happened
José de San Martín's Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers fought a royalist militia from Montevideo under Captain Antonio Zabala. San Martín's cavalry hid overnight in the San Carlos Convent and charged at dawn in two columns. In about fifteen minutes the royalists were routed and retreated to their ships.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was San Martín's first battle and the only one he fought on what is now Argentine soil. It had little effect on the wider war but is treasured in Argentina's story of independence.
What came next
San Martín cared for the wounded royalists and invited Zabala to breakfast. Zabala later joined San Martín's patriot forces in Mendoza.
Did you know?
San Martín's horse fell during the charge, and two soldiers, Juan Bautista Cabral and Juan Bautista Baigorria, saved him.
Timeline
- 3 February 1813San Martín wins at San Lorenzo.
- August 1813Royalist raids continue at Tigre and San Fernando.
- 1814William Brown ends royalist control of the rivers.