Battle of La Bolsa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of La Bolsa
Part of the Cortina War
A marker at the site of the battle
Date 4 February 1860 Location La Bolsa Bend, near Harlingen, Texas Result American victory
Belligerents
Cortinista militia	Texas Rangers
Commanders and leaders
Juan Cortina	Col. John Ford
Casualties and losses
29 dead 40 wounded	1 dead 4 wounded

The Battle of La Bolsa was an important fight during the Cortina Troubles, a series of armed conflicts. These fights were between a group led by Mexican rancher Juan Cortina and parts of the United States Army and the Texas Rangers. The battle happened on February 4, 1860. It began when Cortina's forces attacked a steamboat called the Ranchero. The steamboat was on its way to Brownsville.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

La Bolsa means "the pocket" in Spanish. It was a bend in the Rio Grande river that looked like a pocket. This area was on the border of Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

On February 4, 1860, the steamboat Ranchero was traveling to Brownsville, Texas. Soldiers from Ringgold Barracks were on board to protect the boat's cargo. Texas Rangers also rode along the river's north bank to provide security. More Rangers and a United States cavalry group from Fort Brown were coming from the east.

The Fight Begins

As the Ranchero entered the La Bolsa bend, Cortina's group started shooting from the river's south bank. The people on the Ranchero fired back with their rifles and two cannons. Cortina got ready for another attack. However, he pulled back when Rangers from Rio Grande City charged at him. These Rangers were led by John Salmon Ford, who took them across the river.

What Happened Next?

Even though many people on the Ranchero were hurt, the steamboat safely delivered its cargo to Fort Brown. Because of this battle, the US Army sent Lt. General Robert E. Lee from San Antonio. He warned the Mexican army that the US would step in if they did not control Cortina's groups.

Cortina then went deeper into Mexico. But he later came back as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He wanted to continue fighting with old rivals in the Rio Grande area.