The liberation of Cartagena de Indias in 1821

July 14th 1820, started the longest suffering siege in the history of Cartagena de Indias. At this period, the Granadinos rejected the Spanish monarch Ferdinard VII, the one that rejected the democratic constitution of Cadix to re-establish the absolute monarch and by consequence; he has been rejected of his own country. Spain was then in a delicate situation for controlling their over-sea colonies which continued to fight for the troops of Morillo.

The politic of Spain was the dialogue with the rebelled forces of America. Cartagena de Indias was the last place that was under the imperialist power, and a decision was taken to talk with the general of Venezuela Mariano Montilla.

The governor of Cartagena de Indias, Brigadier Torres and Velasco, the one that was the place commander have also been renounced from the city, but mostly to talk with Montilla. Montilla said that there would be no agreements unless they give him back the city. Bolivar also had the occasion to speak with Torres, but never came to a definitive agreement between them.

In January 1821, the general Jose Prudencio Padilla broke the communication of Spanish with Bocachica with the closure of the fence around Cartagena de Indias with the help of the sea. Many months past and the situation became more difficult.

In June 1821, in the memorable night of San Juan, Padilla assaulted the Spanish fleet by taking refuge in the bay of Las Animas close from the decks of Los Pegasos. At midnight, in a fierce battle, the fleet lost many solders and Padilla was declared winner while gaining 11 war boats and some weapons.

Torres and Velasco abandoned ad gave back the city on October 10th 1821. Cartagena de Indias is taken back again, but this time for a patriotic cause.

Choose the places to see in Cartagena de Indias and your entertainment outgoings to then make together your personalized visit plan.