Battle of Cañada

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Battle of Cañada

Part of the Mexican-American War, (Taos Revolt)

A page from Colonel Price's report showing troop movements.

Date	January 24, 1847
Location	Santa Cruz, New Mexico
Result	U.S. victory

Combatants

United States

Mexican Insurgents

Commanders

Sterling Price

Pablo Chavez
Pablo Montoya
Jesus Tafoya†

Strength

353

1,500

Casualties

Mexican–American War
Fort Texas – Palo Alto – Resaca de la Palma – Cañoncito – Santa Fe – Monterrey – 1st Tabasco – San Pasqual – El Brazito – Rio San Gabriel – La Mesa – Cañada – Mora – Embudo Pass – Pueblo de Taos – Buena Vista – Sacramento – Veracruz – Cerro Gordo – Tuxpan – 2nd Tabasco – Contreras – Churubusco – Molino del Rey – Chapultepec – Mexico City – Huamantla – Puebla

The Battle of Cañada was part of the Taos Revolt, a popular insurrection against the United States by Mexicans. It took place on January 24, 1847, during the Mexican-American War.

[edit] Background

Insurgents in New Mexico under the leadership of Pablo Chavez, Pablo Montoya and Jesus Tafoya, began marching south toward the American-held city of Santa Fe.

[edit] Battle

Colonel Sterling Price, commander of the U.S. forces in Santa Fe, heard of this insurgent movement and assembled a force of 353 soldiers and marched north to intercept them. Price met the large insurgent force on a hilltop position near the town of Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Price attacked and drove off the insurgents inflicting 36 casualties including Jesus Tafoya, one of the leaders.

A few days later Price again defeated the insurgents at the Battle of Embudo Pass and drove them back into fortifications at Pueblo de Taos.