First Battle of Tuxpan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Tuxpan
Part of Mexican–American War
The U.S. naval expedition under Commodore M. C. Perry, ascending the Tuspan River; destroying the forts, and taking possession of the port of Tuspan
Date 18 April 1847 Location Tuxpan, Veracruz Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Matthew C. Perry	Martin Perfecto de Cos
Strength
1,519 marines (part of Mosquito Fleet)	300–400
Casualties and losses
3 killed 11 wounded	unknown

The First Battle of Tuxpan was a key battle during the Mexican–American War. It took place in Tuxpan, Mexico, on April 18, 1847. This was the only major fight that happened in Tuxpan during the war. The battle resulted in a victory for the United States.

Why the Battle of Tuxpan Happened

During the Mexican-American War, the United States wanted to control Mexico's important ports. Commodore Matthew C. Perry led the U.S. Navy's Home Squadron. This group of ships was blocking Mexican ports on the eastern coast. They added Tuxpan and Tabasco (also known as Villahermosa) to their list of blockaded areas. A blockade means preventing ships from entering or leaving a port. This stops supplies and trade.

Perry's fleet was called the Mosquito Fleet. It was a group of smaller, faster ships. On April 17, 1847, this fleet reached the mouth of the Tuxpan River. They carried a landing force of 1,519 soldiers and four cannons.

The Mexican forces were ready for them. General Martin Perfecto de Cos commanded about 400 men. They had set up five batteries (groups of cannons) along the six-mile path to the town. Each battery had eight guns.

How the Battle Unfolded

On April 18, 1847, Commodore Perry's ships began their attack. They used smaller boats to pull 30 barges up the Tuxpan River. The U.S. forces quickly took control of two forts located downriver. By 3 PM, they had also captured the forts at the edge of Tuxpan town.

The town of Tuxpan surrendered by 4 PM that same day. After taking control, Commodore Perry ordered his men to remove the cannons from the Mexican forts. They also destroyed the fortifications so they could not be used again.

The U.S. forces then left Tuxpan on April 22. However, Perry kept two of his ships behind. These ships stayed to continue blocking the Tuxpan River. This prevented any Mexican ships from using the port.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Tuxpan para niños