Battles & Campaigns · 1813
Battle of Vilcapugio
Vilcapugio, Bolivia
What happened
The Army of the North of the United Provinces, under General Manuel Belgrano, fought a royalist army under Joaquín de la Pezuela. Belgrano planned to trap the royalists in a pincer attack. But the royalists captured papers with his instructions and attacked first on 1 October. Belgrano's veterans held at first, until royalist cavalry arrived and the revolutionary army scattered.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a major defeat in the second campaign into Upper Peru. The royalists captured Belgrano's artillery.
What came next
Belgrano regrouped his army, but was defeated again at Ayohuma on 14 November 1813.
Did you know?
Pezuela was so sure he had lost that he nearly sent a message to the Viceroy saying so, before his left flank won the battle.
Timeline
- 27 February 1812Belgrano raises the Argentine flag at Rosario.
- 1 October 1813The royalists win at Vilcapugio.
- 14 November 1813Belgrano is defeated at Ayohuma.
- 20 June 1820Belgrano dies; the date is now Argentina's Flag Day.