Battle of Cerro Corá
1870 · Cerro Corá (modern Amambay Department, Paraguay) · World · Modern
Brazilian cavalry raided López's camp; López was killed, ending the War of the Triple Alliance
Belligerents
Imperial Brazilian Army
- Commanders
- Correia da Câmara
- Strength
- c. 2,000 men
Paraguayan remnants
- Commanders
- Francisco Solano López
- Strength
- Several hundred
Background
After Asunción fell, Solano López retreated north into the hills with the remnants of his army, conscripting men along the way, many of them boys and old men, until he finally reached Cerro Corá near the Brazilian border.
Course of the battle
- Withdrawal northLópez led his remaining troops and followers through the hills and forests of the northeast
- PursuitThe Brazilian army tracked them all the way, cutting off their line of retreat
- Raid on the campOn March 1, 1870, Brazilian cavalry attacked the camp
- Killed in battleLópez was killed by the river, and the war ended
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1870 |
|---|---|
| Place | Cerro Corá (in today's Amambay Department, Paraguay) |
| Result | Brazilian cavalry raided López's camp; López was killed, ending the War of the Triple Alliance |
| Winner | Imperial Brazilian Army |
| Casualties | Most of the Paraguayan remnants were killed or captured |
| Territorial change | Paraguay was defeated and ceded territory |
Impact
The Battle of Cerro Corá ended the bloodiest war in South American history; Paraguay's population losses were catastrophic, and the battle still holds a special place in Paraguayan national memory.
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