# Callao surrenders to the patriots (September 1821)

URL: https://allhistories.com/peru/timeline/1821-callao-surrenders-to-the-patriots
Location: Callao, Callao
Themes: Politics

After a long siege, the royalist garrison of the Real Felipe fortress in Callao, commanded by José de la Mar, capitulates in September 1821. La Mar then joins the patriot cause. A royalist army under Canterac briefly approaches Lima but withdraws. Patriot negotiators grant the defenders honourable terms of surrender.

## Why it matters
The surrender of Callao gave the new state control of its main port, although royalists would retake the fortress in 1824.

Ruler at the Time: [José de San Martín](https://allhistories.com/peru/rulers/jose-de-san-martin)

Viceroy of Peru (royalist): José de la Serna

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — First siege of Callao](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_siege_of_Callao)
- [Wikipedia — José de la Mar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_de_la_Mar)
- [Wikipedia — Independence (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peruvian_War_of_Independence)