Battle of Río Bueno (1759)

The Battle of Río Bueno in 1759 was a military engagement between Spanish colonial forces and local Huilliche in the Bueno River of south-central Chile. The battle was fought on January 27 with the Spanish forces being led by Juan Antonio Garretón.[1] The battle of 1759 was an exception to the over-all policy of befriending indigenous communities on behalf of the Spanish authorities in Valdivia.[2]

Battle of Río Bueno
Part of Arauco War
Date January 27, 1759 Location Bueno River Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire	Mapuche-Huilliche
Commanders and leaders
Juan Antonio Garretón	Catillanca Paidil

After the battle captured Huilliche's told the Spanish about the existence of uncontacted Spanish settlements further inside indigenous territory, envigorating belief among the populace of Valdivia about the legendary City of the Caesars.[1][2] Ignacio Pinuer, a staunch believer in existence of the city, was present in the battle of Río Bueno claiming "the Caesars" participated in the "Christian" side by attacking the indigenous rearguard at night, securing thus a Spanish victory.[3]