Miguel Grau

Peruvian Navy officer and politician

Born: July 27, 1834 · Died: October 8, 1879

Miguel Grau — Image via Wikimedia Commons or Wikipedia.

Overview

Major work

Miguel María Grau Seminario was a Peruvian Navy officer and politician renowned for his role in the War of the Pacific.

Who was Miguel Grau?

Miguel María Grau Seminario (27 July 1834 – 8 October 1879) was a Peruvian Navy officer and politician renowned for his role in the War of the Pacific. He earned the nickname "Gentleman of the Seas" for his kind and chivalrous treatment of defeated enemies and remains highly respected by both Peruvians and Chileans. He commanded the Peruvian ironclad Huascar during the War of the Pacific.

The letter that Grau sent to the widow of Captain Prat is inscribed on a monument in a park in Santiago de Chile.

Historical significance

Grau is an iconic figure for the Peruvian navy, and one of the most famous naval officers from the Americas. Known for his skillful naval tactics, Grau repeatedly evaded Chilean pursuers and harassed the Chilean coast.

Bust of Almirante Grau Seminario in Lake Forest Park, Washington, USA

Related on thisDay

What Happened at the Battle of Angamos in 1879?

On 8 October 1879 the Chilean Navy, under Riveros and Latorre, crushed the Peruvian monitor Huáscar at Punta Angamos, securing naval dominance for Chile…

Sources and further reading

Use the dated article for the day-specific account; use these references to check the event record and explore its wider historical context.

Date article: What Happened at the Battle of Angamos in 1879?Wikipedia source

Cite this page

MLA

“Miguel Grau.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/miguel-grau/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

APA

Miguel Grau. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/miguel-grau/

Chicago

“Miguel Grau.” thisDay. Accessed October 8, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/miguel-grau/.

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