Major battles marked course of U.S.-Mexican War

Everyone knows about the defeat at the Alamo in 1836, where Mexican forces led by Santa Anna, with an army of about 2,000, killed all 200 defenders in a 13-day battle. Throughout the years, the battles continued. Later that same year, Sam Houston led an American force, chased down Santa Anna and defeated him.

Then, in 1847, there was the Battle of Sacramento, where the tide was turned as U.S. forces defeated the Mexicans at Sacramento, killing about 300 with a force of 1,000. Now the U.S. controlled New Mexico and California. Missouri volunteers later routed 4,000 forces near Chihuahua, Mexico, using artillery.

But it didn’t stop there. American forces also, in 1847, focused on invading central Mexico. Under the command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, they landed at Veracruz in March. This part of history I didn’t remember, as U.S. forces were then headed toward Mexico City. They engaged in several battles along the way, including the Battle of Cerro Gordo, where U.S. troops outmaneuvered and defeated the entire Mexican army, opening the path to the capital.

In September of the same year, U.S. forces successfully entered Mexico City and forced a surrender and a peace agreement. Thus ended the U.S.-Mexican War.

Roger Gregory served as a captain in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. He is a Priest River businessman.