Battle of Yerba Buena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Yerba Buena |
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| Part of Conquest of California Mexican–American War |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Mexico |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| John B. Montgomery | José de Jesús Noé | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| USS Portsmouth, 220 sailors and enlisted men, 27 marines | Unknown number of troops and artillery | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||
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The Battle of Yerba Buena was an event during the Mexican–American War. The U.S. Navy took over the town of Yerba Buena, California (which is now San Francisco). This happened without any fighting or shots fired.
Contents
Why Did the Battle of Yerba Buena Happen?
President Polk's Plan for California
After declaring war on Mexico on May 13, 1846, President James Polk wanted to capture California. He had wanted this land ever since Texas joined the U.S. in 1845. When the war started, he saw a chance to get California.
The U.S. Pacific Squadron was told to take control of all important ports and cities in California. They were allowed to use force if needed. On July 7, 1846, three U.S. Navy ships captured Monterey. This was the capital city of Alta California. They did this without firing a single shot. This peaceful takeover set the stage for what would happen in Yerba Buena.
What Happened During the Battle?
The USS Portsmouth Arrives
On July 9, 1846, the USS Portsmouth sailed into San Francisco Bay. Its goal was to capture Yerba Buena. Commander John B. Montgomery was the captain of the Portsmouth. There were 220 sailors and soldiers on board, plus 27 marines.
Taking Over the Town
The small Mexican force at the Presidio of San Francisco did not shoot at the USS Portsmouth. They were afraid they would be destroyed. The Portsmouth stopped a bit away from the shore. A group of sailors, soldiers, and marines, along with Commander Montgomery, got into small boats. They rowed to Yerba Buena.
When they landed, the Mexican soldiers did not fire. The local people, called Californios, gathered to watch the Americans. Montgomery and his group walked to the town square. There was a flagpole with the Mexican flag flying.
Hoisting the American Flag
Montgomery quickly took down the Mexican flag. He then raised the American flag, the Stars and Stripes. He announced that Yerba Buena and all the land around it now belonged to the United States. After his speech, the marine band played "Yankee Doodle". The USS Portsmouth fired a 21-gun salute to celebrate.
Securing the Area
After taking the town, Montgomery sent some troops to the Presidio of San Francisco. Their job was to take any weapons they found. The troops did this without any problems or fighting. The capture of Yerba Buena was a quick and peaceful victory for the U.S.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Yerba Buena para niños
