Battle of Churubusco

"Battle of Churubusco" by J. Cameron, published by Nathaniel Currier

Date	August 20, 1847
Location	Mexico City, D.F.
Result	American victory

Belligerents

United States

Mexico

Commanders and leaders

Winfield Scott

Antonio López de Santa Anna

Strength

8,497

3,800

Casualties and losses

133 killed
865 wounded

263 killed
460 wounded
1,831 captured

The Battle of Churubusco took place on August 20, 1847, while Santa Anna's army was in retreat from the Battle of Contreras (Padierna), Mexican–American War. After defeating the Mexican army at Churubusco, the U.S. Army was only 5 miles (8 km) away from Mexico City.

Following their defeats at Contreras Santa Anna ordered Major General Nicolás Bravo with the Army of the Center to retreat from San Antonio to Churubusco. Santa Anna also ordered Major General Manuel Rincon to hold the Franciscan Convent of San Mateo in Churubusco, with earthworks and seven guns, and placed General Francisco Perez on the tete-de-pont on the south bank of the river. Two regiments were placed along the river while the convent included the Bravo Battalions of the Mexico City National Guard and the San Patricio Battalion, plus Santa Anna formed a reserve along the highway to the north.

Scott sent David Twiggs and Gideon Johnson Pillow's divisions from San Angel to Coyoacán, while he ordered William J. Worth to turn the San Antonio position. Worth sent Col. Newman S. Clarke's brigade and Lt. Col. Charles F. Smith's light battalion across the Pedregal lava field to the west of San Antonio, while Col. John Garland faced San Antonio on the south.

During retreat from San Antonio, the Mexican defenders (part of the 1st Line of Defense (or sometimes the "Army of the Center") with Col. F. Villarreal and about 2,000 men: 700 of the "Hidalgo," 500 of the "Victoria" (Lt. Col. P. Jorrin) Natl. Guards Battalions, and 800 others: under Cols. A. Zerecero & J. G. Perdigon Garay), were struck in flank by Clarke's Brigade. Garland moved forward as the Mexicans withdrew from San Antonio and captured a general and four guns.

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