Almost in the middle of the Paraná River, bordering the Itapirú fort [es], there was an island - in fact a sand bank - covered by vast grassland, which would later be called Ilha da Redenção, Ilha de Carvalho or Ilha do Cabrita.

The Imperial Brazilian Army decided to occupy the island, important for its position in relation to the fort and the enemy camp, to serve as a point of support against the Paraguayans.

On 5 April 1866, lieutenant colonel of engineers José Carlos de Carvalho was ordered to ship a 12-inch La Hitte battery and a 4-inch mortar, in addition to the corresponding material to cover them.

At 4 am on 10 April 1866, a Paraguayan force landed on the island trying to dislodge the Brazilian troops from their position.

Colonel Villagran Cabrita was killed by a bomb fired from the Itapirú fort when, aboard a boat that contained ammunition for the island's garrison, he dictated the victory report.