Siege of La Paz

Marines, raising the American flag over La Paz, Mexico, 1847.

Date	November 27-December 8, 1847
Location	La Paz, Baja California Sur
Result	United States victory; Mexican withdrawal; siege lifted.

Belligerents

United States

Mexico

Commanders and leaders

Henry S. Burton

Manuel Pineda Munoz

Strength

115 infantry

~500 militia

Casualties and losses

1 wounded

~36 killed
60 deserted

The Siege of La Paz was a Mexican siege of their own city of La Paz in Baja California Sur. Mexican militia forces attempted to destroy the United States Army garrison, occupying the peninsular town. The siege occurred over a twelve-day period in November and December 1847, at the end of the Mexican-American War.

Captain Manuel Pineda Munoz, of the Mexican Army had been drafting Mexican peasants to serve in his campaign on the western coast of Mexico. After his militia army was defeated twice at the Battle of La Paz and the Battle of San José del Cabo, Captain Pineda decided to continue the campaign with a prolonged engagement at La Paz, hoping to finish what he failed to do at the first battle.

The American garrison at this time included 115 men, of the New York Volunteers, a volunteer force from New York and was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. Burton when they landed peacefully in La Paz on July 21.

The United States Navy at this time had no warships to help protect La Paz, all of which had sailed north to Alta California for orders, others left Mexican waters for supplies. This left the American garrison with no ability to evacuate La Paz, should it become necessary.

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Wikipedia