Pedro María de Anaya

Pedro Bernardino María de Anaya (May 20, 1795 – March 21, 1854) was a military officer who served twice as interim president of Mexico from 1847 to 1848. He also played an important role during the Mexican-American War.

He was born on May 20, 1795 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.

External links

• profile Spanish