Battle of Silva Heights

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Battle of Silva Heights
Part of the Spanish-American War
Date August 10, 1898 Location Near Hormigueros, Puerto Rico Result Indecisive
Combatants
Spain	United States
Commanders
Julio Soto Villanueva	Theodore Schwan
Strength
1,500	3,000
Casualties
3 dead 6 wounded	2 dead 15 wounded

Puerto Rican Campaign
San Juan – Yauco – Guayama – Guamani – Coamo – Silva Heights – Abonito Pass

The Battle of Silva Heights was a battle of the Spanish-American War, fought during United States General Theodore Schwan's drive up the west coast of Puerto Rico.

A considerable force of Spanish regulars and auxiliaries, encamped on the high ridge overlooking Hormigueros, struck Schwan's brigade on August 10, 1898, hoping to turn it back. Initially, the attack was successful, pinning the 5th cavalry in place and preventing the 19th infantry from reinforcing American positions.

The Spanish lacked artillery support, however, and could not answer Schwan's Gatling guns and large-caliber cannons. As Schwan's brigade pressed forward, surging along the ridge's flank, Spanish numerical inferiority began to tell. Out-gunned, Colonel Julio Soto Villanueva ceded the heights to the American forces and withdrew his men east to Lares.