Battle of Cahuenga Pass facts for kids

The Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1831 was a short fight near Los Angeles at Cahuenga Pass. It happened between the Mexican Governor of California, Manuel Victoria, and a group of rich local landowners.

Only two people died in this battle: a soldier named Pacheco from the government side, and a rebel named Jose Avila. Governor Victoria was also badly hurt.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

Problems with Governor Victoria

A small group of wealthy citizens in Alta California (which is now part of California, USA) asked Governor Victoria for more democratic ways of governing. They wanted changes that would give people more say.

However, Governor Victoria called two of these men, José Antonio Carrillo and Abel Stearns, "traitors." He ordered them to be severely punished. Later, he changed his mind and instead had them sent away from Alta California.

The Rebels Gather Forces

The governor before Victoria, Jose Maria de Echeandia, was much more liked by the people. So, the unhappy citizens, including the two men who were banished, asked Echeandia for help. They told him that Governor Victoria's time in charge would soon end.

They gathered a small army and marched into Los Angeles, taking control of the town. Governor Victoria then put together his own small army to fight them. He led his soldiers himself. The two groups met on December 5, 1831, at Cahuenga Pass. Captain Portilla was in charge of the rebel forces.

What Happened During the Battle?

A Reluctant Fight

The soldiers on both sides were often related to each other. They were brothers, sons, uncles, nephews, and friends. Even though they were angry, they didn't really want to hurt each other badly.

Governor Victoria's army was only half the size of the rebels. Still, he bravely told his men to fire their guns. They did, but they aimed their shots over the heads of the rebels. The rebels did the same thing, shooting over Victoria's men. This led to a standoff, where neither side was really fighting.

A Duel and Its Consequences

Only one government soldier, Captain Jose Antonio Romualdo Pacheco, thought Victoria's order meant to charge forward. He was the father of a future governor, Romualdo Pacheco. Pacheco rode his horse forward with his lance ready. When he realized he was alone, he stopped between the two armies.

Jose Maria Avila, a rebel soldier and a former leader of the Pueblo of Los Angeles, felt insulted. He rode out to challenge Pacheco to a fight on horseback. Both men were excellent horse riders and were equally skilled. After three tries, Pacheco knocked Avila's lance to the ground.

Avila became very angry. He pulled out his pistol and shot Pacheco, killing him instantly. Avila was shocked by what he had done and sat on his horse in disbelief.

Governor Victoria was upset by this unfair act. He drew his own pistol and shot Avila, killing him too.

This made Captain Portilla, the rebel leader, very angry. He charged at Victoria and wounded the Governor's face with his lance. Victoria fell to the ground in pain. After this, both armies stopped fighting.

What Happened After the Battle?

Victoria's Resignation

Governor Victoria survived his injuries. However, he decided to resign as governor of Alta California. The previous governor, José María de Echeandía, took over again for a short time. Then, Jose Figueroa became the new governor on January 14, 1833.

Joseph Chapman, an American immigrant living nearby, helped treat Governor Victoria's wounds.

Important Note

This battle is sometimes confused with the Battle of Providencia, which also happened near Cahuenga Pass in 1845. That later battle is sometimes called the Second Battle of Cahuenga Pass.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Paso de Cahuenga para niños