Battle of Olómpali facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Olómpali |
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| Part of the Bear Flag Revolt Conquest of California |
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
.svg){kind=small} California Republic |
 Mexico |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Henry Ford |
Joaquín de la Torre |
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| Strength | |||||||||
| 20 militia | 50 infantry, 20 irregulars | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 0 killed, unknown wounded |
3 killed, 6 wounded |
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The Battle of Olómpali was a fight that happened on June 24, 1846, in what is now Marin County, California. It was the only real battle during the Bear Flag Revolt. This revolt was when American settlers in California declared their independence from Mexico. The place where the battle happened is now part of the Olompali State Historic Park.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
The Start of the Conflict
The fight began because of the Bear Flag Revolt. Ten days earlier, American settlers in Sonoma had declared that California was now an independent "California Republic." This made the Mexican army very upset.
Mexican Forces Move North
General José Castro of the Mexican army sent a group of soldiers north. These soldiers were from the Presidio of Monterey, a military fort. Their leader was Joaquín de la Torre.
American Settlers Respond
Meanwhile, a group of American settlers, often called "Bear Flaggers," left Sonoma. They hoped to rescue two of their friends who had been captured. They had learned the day before that their friends had been killed.
Meeting at Olómpali
The two groups met near Olómpali, which is north of the modern-day town of Novato. This meeting led to the Battle of Olómpali.
The Battle of Olómpali
Forces Gather
On June 24, 1846, the Battle of Olómpali began. A group of American Bear Flaggers from Sonoma, led by Henry Ford, faced off against a Mexican army force. The Mexican force had about 50 soldiers from Monterey, led by Joaquin de la Torre. They met at Rancho Olompali. This ranch had been given to Coast Miwok chief Camilo Ynitia in 1843.
Searching for Supplies and Friends
Before the battle, the American settlers were trying to get supplies. Around June 16, William Todd and another person went to Bodega Bay to get gunpowder. On June 18, Thomas Cowie and George Fowler were sent to another ranch, Rancho Sotoyome, for more gunpowder.
News of Captured Rebels
When Cowie and Fowler did not return, Lieutenant Ford sent Sergeant Gibson to find them. Gibson got the gunpowder and learned that Cowie and Fowler had been killed. Ford also found out that William Todd and his friend had been captured by Mexican irregulars.
The Clash at Olómpali
Ford then rode with about 17 to 19 Bear Flaggers. They were looking for the Mexican irregulars. They found a group of horses near the Indian ranch of Olúmpali. Ford's men approached a building, and suddenly many more Mexican soldiers appeared.
Mexican Captain Joaquin de la Torre had joined forces with the irregulars. Their group now had about 70 men. Ford's men quickly took cover in a group of trees.
The Fight Begins
When the Mexican soldiers charged on horseback, the Bear Flaggers opened fire. They killed one Mexican soldier and wounded another. During the long-range fight, William Todd and his companion, who were being held nearby, managed to escape. They ran to join the Bear Flaggers.
Mexican Retreat
The Mexican militia eventually stopped fighting from a distance. They had several wounded soldiers. They then went back to San Rafael. A Mexican soldier later said that their muskets could not shoot as far as the rifles used by some of the Bear Flaggers. This was the only actual battle that took place during the entire Bear Flag Revolt.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Olompali para niños
