Battle of Cerro Gordo

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Battle of Cerro Gordo
Part of the Mexican-American War

Date April 18, 1847
Location Cerro Gordo, Veracruz
Result U.S. victory
Combatants
United States Mexico
Commanders
Winfield Scott Antonio López de Santa Anna
Strength
8,500 12,000
Casualties
417 4,000
General Ciriaco Vasquez dead; Generals Pinzon, Jarrero, La Vega, Norriega & Obando captured
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 Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War saw Winfield Scott's US troops flank and drive Santa Anna's larger Mexican army from a strong defensive position.

Contents

[edit] Prelude

United States forces captured the port of Veracruz on March 27, 1847. Following this, General Winfield Scott advanced toward Mexico City.

[edit] Action

General Antonio López de Santa Anna, commanding Mexican forces in the area, blocked Scott's march at Cerro Gordo, near Xalapa, with more than 12,000 soldiers in a fortified defile. Scott's corps of engineers discovered a mountain trail around Santa Anna's position. Scott quickly moved the main body of his command along the trail, flanking the Mexicans. A sharp action ensued on April 18, 1847, routing Santa Anna's force.

[edit] Results

Mexicans lost 1,000 killed and wounded with 3,000 further taken prisoner. The U.S. had 64 killed and 353 wounded. General Santa Anna was caught off guard by the Fourth Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and he was forced to ride off without his artificial leg, which was captured and is still displayed in Illinois.

This battle has been called "the Battle of Thermopylae of the West" because the use of terrain was similar to the maneuver that the Persians used to eventually defeat the Greeks. However, casualties were dissimilar: the attacking American casualties were moderate while the defending Mexican casualties were heavy, which was opposite to Thermopylae.

Despite the rout, members of the Saint Patrick's Battalion provided the Mexicans with the greatest opposition to US forces in this battle. They had the most to fear being captured by the Americans, leading them to threaten fellow Mexican combatants with friendly fire who were intent on retreating (or surrendering). Because of heavy artillery engagement by Americans the battalion's members had to spend most of their time returning volley at the Americans, therefore its unlikely that more than a few "friendly fire" incidents actually took place.

[edit] Aftermath

Scott moved on to Puebla, 75 miles (120 km) from Mexico City, where he halted on May 15, 1847.

There were four company grade officers in Scott's corp of engineers who were of significant historical interest; Captain Robert E. Lee, Captain George B. McClellan, Captain Joseph E. Johnston and Lieutenant P.G.T. Beauregard. All went on to serve as generals in the American Civil War (1861–1865).

[edit] References

  • The Encyclopedia of Military History, Dupuy and Dupuy. Harper & Row, Publishers.
  • Dead Link
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