BATTLE OF CONTRERAS

The 'Battle of Contreras', also known (particularly in Mexico) as the 'Battle of Padierna', took place during the night of August 19–20, 1847, in the final encounters of the Mexican-American War. In the Battle of Churubusco, fighting continued the following day.

Contents

Background

Battle

Aftermath

References

Background

During the march on Mexico City, the U.S. army under Major General Winfield Scott found its way north blocked by a strong Mexican force at the town of San Antonio. Scott sent a force west across the pedregal, a lava field, to the town of Contreras to flank the Mexican position. Mexican commander and President Antonio López de Santa Anna dispatched the "Army of the North" about 5,000 soldiers under Gabriel Valencia (Mejia Division : 4 Howitzers & 3 guns 700 infantry & 400 cavalry :Fijo of Mexico & San Luis Potosi Activos Infantry, 7th Cavalry & San Luis Potosi Cavalry), ( Parrodi Division: 2 howitzers & 6 guns, 1,500 infantry: Activos, 10th & 11th Infantry, Celaya, Guanajuato & Queretaro Activos & Auxiliaries), (Salas Division : 7 light guns, 800 infantry & 600 cavalry :Zapadores, Santa Anna Mixto Battalion, Aguas Calientes Activos, 2d, 3d, 8th & Guanajuato Cavalry Regiments)to oppose the Americans.

Battle

The U.S. attacked and routed Valencia's Army of the North at Contreras. Participating in the attack was Brigadier General Franklin Pierce leading a brigade of regulars. During the fighting Pierce was seriously wounded when his horse fell on him.

Aftermath

With the rout of Valencia, the main Mexican position at San Antonio fell back to Churubusco. After the U.S. forces took San Antonio, they began to merge with the forces from Contreras for a further attack on Churubusco.

References

★ Nevin, David; editor ''The Mexican War'' (1978)

★ Gen. Winfield Scott's official report of the battle

★ Alcara, Ramon et al. "Apuntes Para la Historia de la Guerra entre Mexico y los Estados Unidos", Mexico City.

★ Ramsey, Albert C. "The Other Side", New York, John Wiley, 1850.