"Resolución" was laid down on 22 September 1859 by the Reales Astilleros de Esteiro in Ferrol and launched on 19 September 1861. Completed on 28 April 1862, the ship played a major role in the Chincha Islands War. "Resolución" participated in various military operations such as the blockade of the Chilean coast (Action of 17 November 1865), the Bombardment of Valparaíso and the Battle of Callao. She was badly damaged during the war and was rebuilt into an armored corvette in 1867–1870. Completed in February 1870, the ship was renamed "Méndez Núñez", after Admiral Casto Méndez Núñez, on 21 August 1870. The ship was assigned to the Mediterranean Squadron after completion.