The Chileans were taking possession of the Antofagasta (Litoral) Province, then a part of Bolivia.

On their way to occupy Calama, 554 Chilean troops, including cavalry and with two Krupp rifled guns, were opposed by 135 Bolivian soldiers and civilian residents led by Dr. Ladislao Cabrera, a civilian and a political authority in the region.

Cabrera dug in at two destroyed bridges; calls to surrender were rejected before and during the battle.

Outnumbered and low in ammunition, most of the Bolivian force eventually withdrew except for a small group of civilians, led by Colonel Eduardo Abaroa, that fought to the end.

Further ground battles would not take place until the war at sea had been completed.