Battle of San José del Cabo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of San José del Cabo
Part of the Mexican–American War
USS Dale at San Jose del Cabo in 1847 by William H. Meyer
Date November 20–21, 1847 Location San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Charles Heywood, William Shubrick	José Antonio Mijares
Strength
20 marines 20 militia 4 sailors 12 Californians 1 artillery piece	~150 militia
Casualties and losses
1 wounded	8 killed a number wounded

San José del Cabo is at the southern tip

The Battle of San José del Cabo was an important fight during the Mexican–American War. It happened over two days in November 1847. This battle took place after Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, had already been captured. It showed how the war was spreading to different parts of Mexico.

Why the Battle Happened

In July 1847, a group of 115 American soldiers arrived peacefully in La Paz. These soldiers were part of the New York Volunteers. They were led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. Burton.

Later, in November, an American naval leader named William Shubrick sent a small group of sailors and marines to San José del Cabo. This group included 4 sailors and 20 marines. They also brought a special type of small cannon called a 9-pounder carronade. Lieutenant Charles Heywood was in charge of this group.

Preparing for the Fight

Lieutenant Heywood's men quickly turned an old mission building into a strong fort. They wanted to be ready for any attack. Also, 12 local Californians joined the American forces. They helped by taking over a house nearby, called the Mott house.

Meanwhile, a Mexican leader named Captain Manuel Pineda Munoz sent about 150 men to San José del Cabo. These men were led by Vincente Mejia, Jose Matias Moreno, and José Antonio Mijares. They demanded that the American soldiers surrender. But the Americans refused to give up on November 19.

The Battle Begins

On November 19, around 3 PM, the Mexican soldiers, who were on horseback, took a position at a place called La Somita. As the sun began to set, the Mexicans started firing their 6-pounder cannon at the Americans. They aimed along the main street, but their shots did not cause much damage.

Later that night, around 10 PM, the Mexican forces tried to attack the Mott house. They also tried to attack the south end of Main Street. However, the Americans fought back hard. The Mexican soldiers were forced to retreat and only pulled back completely when daylight arrived.

Fighting Continues

November 20 was mostly quiet until sunset. Then, the Mexican forces attacked again. They tried to capture the American cannon. They also wanted to get onto the roof of the fort. But the Americans used special cannon shots called grape shot and canister shot. These, along with musket fire, stopped the Mexican attack.

On November 21, two whaler ships, the Magnolia and the Edward, arrived. When the whalers fired their guns, the Mexican forces decided to withdraw. The battle was over, and the Americans had won.

What Happened Next

When Commodore Shubrick heard about the attack, he quickly sent more ships to help Lieutenant Heywood's men. He sent the storeship USS Southampton and the large warship USS Portsmouth. The Southampton arrived on November 26, and the Portsmouth arrived on December 3.

Captain Pineda, the Mexican commander, had now faced two defeats. He had lost at La Paz and now at San José del Cabo. He decided to gather more strength for his next attacks. He planned to lay siege to La Paz and then again to San José del Cabo.

Lieutenant Mijares, one of the Mexican leaders in this battle, died heroically. The people of Mexico remember his bravery. They have placed a monument in his honor on the main street of San José del Cabo. This street is now called Boulevard Antonio Mijares.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de San José del Cabo para niños