page_title: Humaitá
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Humaitá / History
context_page_description: Humaitá is a town and distrito on the Paraguay River in southern Paraguay. During the Paraguayan War, it served as the main Paraguayan stronghold from 1866 until its fall in August 1868. During that time, it housed as many as 24,000 troops. Up until March 1868, it was the de facto home of the Paraguayan government.
  Portions of the old fortifications, including some large earthworks, are still visible. It also possesses the remains of a Jesuit church dating from the 18th century.
context_section_description: The remains of the old fortress of Humaitá are located on the left side of the Paraguay River, approximately 430 km to the south of Asunción.
  During the Paraguayan War (1864–1870) this fortress was important because it controlled river access to the capital, Asunción.
  The defenses of Humaitá were begun by Carlos Antonio López (1790–1862).  Built both on water and on land, they dominate a bend in the river.  They include two walls with heavily armed bunkers,  barracks for troops and officials, ammunition stores, offices, a church, and cemeteries, protected by kilometers of trenches.  Mines and chains were used to restrict navigation of the river.
caption: Humaitá's ruin on a national stamp.