First Battle of Tabasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of Tabasco |
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| Part of Mexican–American War | |||||||
 Mississippi, Commodore Perry's flagship during the First Battle of Tabasco. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Mexico |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Matthew C. Perry French Forrest |
Juan B. Traconis | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 7 ships 700 landing force |
253 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 2 killed 2 wounded 2 drowned |
5 killed | ||||||
The First Battle of Tabasco was a fight that happened during the Mexican–American War in October 1846. It was an attempt by the United States to take control of cities along the coast of Tabasco, Mexico. However, the Mexican forces successfully defended their city.
Why the Battle Happened
In 1846, the United States and Mexico were at war. An American naval officer named Commodore David Conner was ordered to block Mexican ports on the east coast. This meant that no ships could go in or out of those ports.
Later that year, Matthew C. Perry took over from Commodore Conner. Perry thought it would be a good idea to capture "Tabasco," which was also known as San Juan Bautista. This city was located along the Tabasco River.
On October 16, Perry set sail with seven ships. These included the large steamboats Mississippi, Vixen, and McLane. He also had smaller schooners like Reefer, Bonita, Nonata, and Forward.
On October 23, Perry's fleet captured a town called Frontera. The next morning, they continued up the river and reached Tabasco.
What Happened During the Battle
When the American ships arrived, the Mexican commander, Lt. Col. Juan B. Traconis, pulled his 700 soldiers out of the city. This allowed Commodore Perry's forces to enter and take over the town by 5 PM. They also captured five Mexican ships.
However, as night fell, Perry called his landing party back to their ships. This gave Traconis and his soldiers a chance to return to the city. They quickly set up defenses inside the buildings.
Perry sent a group of U.S. Marines to ask Traconis to surrender. But Traconis bravely replied, "Tell Commodore Perry that I would sooner die with my garrison before handing over this place."
Perry realized that he would have to bomb the city to force the Mexican troops out. But he didn't want to harm innocent people living there. So, he decided to retreat back to Frontera with the ships he had captured.
On the morning of October 26, the Mexican forces started firing at Perry's ships. The American ships fired back. During the fight, the flagpole at the Mexican headquarters was hit and fell down. The Americans thought this meant the Mexicans were surrendering, so they stopped firing. They sent another group to check, but Traconis gave them the same answer as before. He then put the flagpole back up on the church tower, and the battle started again. It continued until evening.
Local merchants asked for a ceasefire, and Perry agreed. But when one of his captured ships got stuck and was fired upon, Perry fired back again. He then continued his retreat to Frontera.
The Outcome
After the battle, Commodore Perry was only able to set up a naval blockade using two of his ships, the McLane and the Forward. This battle was considered a Mexican victory because the Americans failed to capture the city.
See also
In Spanish: Primera batalla de Tabasco para niños
