Battle of Embudo Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Embudo Pass |
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| Part of the Taos Revolt, Mexican–American War | |||||||
 Sketch of battle site by United States Army Corps of Engineers cartographer JG Bruff. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Mexico |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Sterling Price John Burgwin Ceran St. Vrain |
Unknown |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 180 | 600–700 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1 killed 1 wounded |
20 killed 60 wounded |
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The Battle of Embudo Pass was a fight that happened on January 29, 1847. It was part of the Taos Revolt, which was a rebellion against the American army. At this time, the American army had taken control of northern New Mexico during the Mexican–American War. The battle took place in what is now New Mexico.
What Happened Before the Battle
After another battle called the Battle of Cañada, General Sterling Price and his American troops moved north. On January 27, they marched along the Rio del Norte, which is now called the Rio Grande.
Captain Burgwin's company and other troops joined General Price, making his force about 479 men. On January 29, Price's army marched towards a place called La Joya. There, about 60 to 80 rebels were waiting in a narrow canyon.
General Price realized that the road through Embudo Pass was too difficult for his cannons and wagons. So, he sent a smaller group of 180 men. This group was led by Captain John Burgwin, Captain Ceran St. Vrain, and Lieutenant B.F. White.
The Battle of Embudo Pass
Captain Burgwin's group found the rebels near present-day Dixon, New Mexico. The rebels were hidden in thick bushes on both sides of a narrow part of the road. The mountains there had steep slopes, and there were many cedar trees and large rocks. This made it a strong place for the rebels to defend.
The fight began when Captain St. Vrain and his men got off their horses and climbed the mountain on the left. They fought well and caused many problems for the rebels. Other groups of soldiers were sent out to the sides to surround the rebels. These groups were led by Lieutenant White, Lieutenant Mellvaine, and Lieutenant Taylor.
These soldiers quickly climbed the hill, and the rebels soon started to run away towards Embudo. They moved very fast over the steep and rough mountains, making it hard for the American soldiers to catch them.
Captain Slack arrived with 25 mounted men and helped the tired soldiers. The American soldiers then marched through the narrow pass and entered the open valley where Embudo is located. They entered the town without any more fighting, and some people met them with a white flag, showing they surrendered.
After the Battle
After this battle, General Price's main forces continued their march to Taos. There, they fought in a major event called the Siege of Pueblo de Taos.
People in the area still say that crosses were carved into large rocks to mark where some of the rebel defenders were killed. You can still see these crosses today.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla del Paso de Embudo para niños
