Pedro María de Anaya

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Pedro María Anaya
Pedro María de Anaya
In office
April 2, 1847 – May 20, 1847
September 15, 1847January 8, 1848
Preceded by Antonio López de Santa Anna
Manuel de la Peña y Peña
Succeeded by Manuel de la Peña y Peña
Manuel de la Peña y Peña

Born June 16, 1794
Huichapan, Hidalgo
Died May 21, 1854
Mexico City
Political party No Party

Pedro Bernardino María Anaya (June 16, 1794May 21, 1854) was twice interim president of Mexico in 1847 to 1848. He played an important role during the Mexican-American War.

He was born on June 16, 1794 in San Mateo de Huichapan, a town located in the modern-day state of Hidalgo. His parents were Pedro José Anaya y Maldonado and María Antonia de Álvarez, both Spaniards. He started his military career in the Royal Army in 1810, as a cadet in the company of Tres Villas. In June 1821 he joined the rebel army fighting for independence.

In 1847, after the victory of the invading U.S. Army in the Battle of Padierna (also known as the Battle of Contreras), the Mexican battalions of Independencia and Bravo were attacked in the Santa María de Churubusco convent. This confrontation is known as the Battle of Churubusco, and the Mexican army was bravely commanded by Pedro María Anaya. When General Anaya was asked by General Twiggs to surrender his ammunition after the end of the battle, he was reputed to have replied, "If I had any ammunition, you would not be here."

The battle was important not only because the American victory made it possible for them win the Mexican-American War; it also was important because of the historical participation of the Saint Patrick's Battalion.

Today the nearest metro station from the Santa María de Churubusco convent, in Mexico City, is called "Metro General Anaya". The General Anaya metro station in Monterrey is also named after Pedro María Anaya.


Preceded by
Antonio López de Santa Anna
Interim President of Mexico
1847–1848
Succeeded by
Manuel de la Peña y Peña