Battles & Campaigns · 1879
Battle of Topáter
Topáter ford, near Calama, Chile
What happened
Chile was taking control of the Litoral province, then part of Bolivia. Advancing on the oasis town of Calama, the Chileans met a Bolivian force dug in at two broken bridges near the Topáter ford. Most of the outnumbered Bolivians withdrew, but a small group led by Abaroa fought on, and Abaroa died in the battle.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first battle of the War of the Pacific. Chile took Calama, an important oasis on the road to Bolivia.
What came next
Further fighting on land waited until the war at sea was decided.
Did you know?
Abaroa is Bolivia's foremost national hero, and 23 March is marked there as the Day of the Sea.
Timeline
- 23 March 1879Battle of Topáter.
- 19 November 1879Battle of San Francisco.
- 1952 CEAbaroa's remains are returned to La Paz.