Mexican-American War, Battle of La Mesa, 1847

Mexican-American War, Battle of La Mesa, 1847

Detail of Battle of La Mesa made shortly afterwards by solider who participated. Kearny is seen on horse, commanding the battle. The Battle of La Mesa, during the Mexican-American War, occurred on January 9, 1847. The battle was a victory for the US Army under Commodore Stockton and General Kearny. They encountered General Flores' 300 strong force of Californio militia, including artillery, near where the city of Vernon now stands, about four miles south of Los Angeles. The Californian guns were ineffective, while the American guns responded from their square as the Americans advanced. Flores extended his line and brought up two more guns. Stockton halted and formed his guns into a single battery. After fifteen minutes, Stockton's fire drove the Californian artillery from effective range. Flores sent his lancers against the American left flank but were driven back; most of his men deserted, allowing the Americans to advance into Los Angeles. The battle was the last armed resistance to the American conquest of California, and General José María Flores returned to Mexico afterward.

Album / NYPL/Science Source

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4650 x 2941 px | 39.1 MB

39.4 x 24.9 cm | 15.5 x 9.8 in (300 dpi)