Battle of La Mesa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of La Mesa
Part of the Conquest of California Mexican–American War
Date January 9, 1847 Location Vernon, California 34°0′8.65″N 118°12′17.36″W / 34.0024028°N 118.2048222°W / 34.0024028; -118.2048222 Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Robert F. Stockton Stephen Watts Kearny	José María Flores
Strength
607	300
Casualties and losses
1 killed 5 wounded	1 killed some wounded
California Historical Landmark
Official name: La Mesa Battlefield
Reference #:	167

The Battle of La Mesa was the last major battle of the Mexican–American War in California. It happened on January 9, 1847, near what is now Vernon, California. This battle took place just one day after the Battle of Río San Gabriel. The American forces, led by Commodore Robert F. Stockton and General Stephen Watts Kearny, won this important fight.

What Happened Before the Battle?

After the Battle of Río San Gabriel, American forces were looking for the Californian leader, Governor Pío Pico. They marched across a flat area called La Mesa. This area was located between the San Gabriel River and the Los Angeles River.

Here, they met about 300 Californian fighters. These fighters were known as Californios, and they were led by General José María Flores. The Californios also had cannons with them. They were waiting for the Americans near where the city of Vernon is today, about four miles south of Los Angeles.

The Battle of La Mesa

The battle began with the Californio cannons firing first. However, their shots were not very effective. The American soldiers, who were marching in a square formation, fired back with their own cannons.

General Flores tried to make his battle line longer and brought up two more cannons. But the American forces stopped and gathered all their cannons together. After about fifteen minutes of intense firing, the American cannons pushed the Californio artillery out of range.

General Flores then sent his lancers, who were soldiers on horseback with long spears, to attack the American left side. But the Americans fought them off. Many of Flores's men then left the battle. This allowed the Americans to continue their advance towards Los Angeles.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Battle of La Mesa was the last time the Californios fought against the American takeover of California. After the battle, General José María Flores returned to Mexico.

Just three days later, on January 12, the last group of Californio fighters surrendered to the American forces. The control of Alta California (which is now part of California) was officially settled. This happened when the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed on January 13, 1847. U.S. Army Lieutenant-Colonel John C. Frémont and Mexican General Andrés Pico signed this treaty.

Today, the place where the Battle of La Mesa happened is a special historical site. It is registered as California Historical Landmark #167. You can find the marker at 4490 Exchange Avenue at Downey Road in Vernon.

California Historical Landmark Marker

The sign at the battle site tells us:

• NO. 167 LA MESA BATTLEFIELD - La Mesa Battlefield served as a campsite for the California forces under General Castro in the summer of 1846, during the United States' occupation of California in the Mexican War. The battle of La Mesa, last military encounter of the war on the California front, was fought here January 9, 1847.

Images for kids

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  The original Location Marker for Battle of La Mesa (Possible area of Mexican Camp during Battle)

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  New Marker outside Vernon City Hall

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  New Marker outside Vernon City Hall

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  Plaque Showing Battle Map

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de La Mesa para niños