Capture of Tucson (1846) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Tucson
Part of the Mexican–American War
The Mormon Battalion at the Gila River (Gila Bend, AZ) by George M. Ottinger.
Date December 16, 1846 Location Tucson, Sonora Modern Day: Tucson, Arizona Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Philip St. George Cooke	Antonio Comaduran
Strength
360	200

The Capture of Tucson was an event during the Mexican–American War in December 1846. It involved American soldiers entering the Mexican city of Tucson without a fight. The American troops were part of the "Mormon Battalion". They entered Tucson, which was then part of Sonora, Mexico. The American forces stayed for a short time. Mexican forces quickly returned to the city after the Americans left.

The Mormon Battalion's Journey

The Mexican War overview map.

The Mexican–American War started in 1846. Around this time, the United States Army formed a special group. It was called the Mormon Battalion. These soldiers were recruited in Iowa. Their main job was to build a wagon road. This road would connect Santa Fe to San Diego. It was the first road into southern California.

The American force was led by Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke. About 499 soldiers started the journey. However, only 360 were fit enough to cross the Arizona desert. Other soldiers, women, and children had been sent back earlier.

Marching Towards Tucson

As the Mormon Battalion marched, they faced a strange challenge. Near the San Pedro River, they had their only "battle." It was against wild cattle! This event became known as the "Battle of the Bulls." After this, the soldiers turned west. Their next stop was Tucson. They expected a real fight there. Tucson had a Mexican military fort called Fort Tucson.

Philip Cooke in his general's uniform during the American Civil War.

The Mexican forces in Tucson had about 200 men. They had infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). They also had two small brass cannons. Other soldiers from nearby towns also joined them.

No Battle for Tucson

The Mexican commander was Captain Antonio Comaduran. He knew the Americans were coming. He talked with Lieutenant Colonel Cooke. Cooke wanted to pass through Tucson easily. He wanted to use a shorter route. But Captain Comaduran refused. He would not let the US Army enter Tucson. He also would not surrender the fort.

However, Captain Comaduran realized his forces were outnumbered. He decided it was better to avoid a fight. So, he chose to withdraw his troops. Many civilians also left Tucson with him.

On December 16, 1846, the US Army arrived. They prepared to enter Tucson. Their weapons were ready. But Colonel Cooke reminded his soldiers of his orders. He told them they were not there to fight the people of Sonora. He said they must be kind to unarmed people. He also told them to respect private property.

Entering the City

No fighting happened as the American soldiers entered Tucson. They walked past the fort. Then, they set up camp north of the town. The people of Tucson were scared at first. But the Americans tried to show they were friendly. Many Mormon soldiers wanted to trade for food.

The American soldiers were low on food. The Mexicans traded some meat and bread. They exchanged it for cloth and other items. The Mexican fort had left behind a lot of wheat. Colonel Cooke took a small amount for his soldiers and their animals. He made sure not to take anything from private families.

Leaving Tucson

On December 17, Cooke sent some men to a nearby mission. This was the Mission San Xavier del Bac. The Mexican Army saw them. They decided to retreat further south. They wanted to avoid a fight. That night, there was a false alarm. Some guards thought Mexican troops were attacking. But it turned out to be nothing.

On the morning of December 18, the Americans left Tucson. They continued their march. Their next stop was the Pima Villages. This was 75 miles away. The Mexican forces and people then returned to Tucson. The city was unharmed. Tucson officially became an American city ten years later. This happened in 1856, after the Gadsden Purchase.

See also

In Spanish: Captura de Tucson (1846) para niños