José María Flores facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José María Flores
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| Secretary of Governor | |
| In office December 30, 1842 – February 22, 1845 |
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| Appointed by | Manuel Micheltorena |
| Senior Captain of Mexican Forces in Alta California | |
| In office September 1846 – January 1847 |
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| President | Antonio López de Santa Anna |
| Preceded by | José Castro (Fled California August 1846) |
| Succeeded by | Andres Pico (after Battle of La Mesa) |
| 11th Governor of Mexican California | |
| In office November 1, 1846 – January 10, 1847 |
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| Appointed by | Self Appointed |
| Preceded by | Pio Pico (Fled California August 1846) |
| Succeeded by | Robert F. Stockton (as Military Governor of California) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 21, 1818 Hacienda de los Hornos, Nueva Extremadura, New Spain (now Viesca, Coahuila, Mexico) |
| Died | April 1866 aged. 48 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Spouse |
Maria Dolores Francisca
(m. 1843) |
| Residence | Alta California |
| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Mexico |
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| Years of service |
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General José María Flores was a brave Captain in the Mexican Army. He was chosen to be the temporary Governor and top military leader (called Comandante General) of Alta California. This was from November 1846 to January 1847. He played a key role in defending California against American forces during the Mexican–American War.
Contents
Mexican–American War in California
Captain José María Flores first arrived in California in 1842. He worked as a secretary for Governor Manuel Micheltorena. Later, he became a captain in the military army led by Comandante General José Castro.
In August 1846, Castro tried to make a deal with the United States. However, the American commander, Stockton, did not accept Castro's authority. Seeing no other choice, Castro left California. Governor Pío Pico also left soon after. This meant Flores and other Mexican officers were left in Los Angeles.
Taking Back Los Angeles
The American forces put Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie in charge of Los Angeles. Gillespie was very strict and controlled the people tightly. The Californios, who were native Californians of Spanish or Mexican descent, were unhappy. They decided to gather a force to take Los Angeles back. Captain José María Flores was chosen to lead them as the comandante general. Captain José Antonio Carrillo was second in command. Captain Andrés Pico was third.
Flores's troops were larger in number than Gillespie's. Flores demanded that the Americans leave. In September 1846, Gillespie agreed to leave Los Angeles.
Battle of Chino and American Retreat
Gillespie asked Benjamin Davis Wilson to bring American supporters to help in Los Angeles. But José del Carmen Lugo heard that Wilson was looking to arrest him. Lugo quickly formed a Californio militia and went after Wilson. The two groups met at the Battle of Chino. Lugo's forces won, taking forty prisoners. Lugo then gave these prisoners to Flores.
Flores wanted to send the prisoners to Mexico City. However, many people disagreed with this idea. Benjamin Wilson sent a message to Gillespie, telling him to leave California completely. On October 4, 1846, Gillespie left San Pedro. Some prisoners were exchanged between the two sides.
Reclaiming California Territory
Flores began to take back control of California. He sent Manuel Garfias to retake Santa Barbara. Garfias succeeded without a fight. Manuel Castro was sent north to secure San Luis Obispo. He took control of that area. Francisco Rico was sent south to retake San Diego. He couldn't reach San Diego because he was called back to Los Angeles. Rico left a few Californios to watch over San Diego.
Flores now controlled California from Santa Luis Obispo all the way to San Diego. However, his army had very few weapons and little ammunition. All men in Southern California were asked to become soldiers. But only about 200 men were kept in active service.
On October 6, 1846, 420 Americans landed at San Pedro. This group included 203 United States Marines. They were led by Captain William Mervine. Flores sent José Antonio Carrillo with fifty Californio Lancers to meet the American forces. The rest of Flores's army stayed to protect Los Angeles.
Battle of Dominguez Rancho Victory
On October 7, 1846, the American forces moved towards the Spanish adobe buildings of the Dominguez Rancho. Flores and some of his troops joined Carrillo's forces. These were mostly local Californio cattle ranchers. They fought Mervine's forces. On October 8, they defeated the marines in a battle that lasted one hour. Four Americans were killed, while the Californios had no casualties. The Americans were forced back to San Pedro Bay.
This was the Battle of Dominguez Rancho. It was one of the few times in history that US Marines were defeated in battle. This victory was a great moment for the Californios. It showed their strong control over their land.
Flores Becomes Governor
On October 26, 1846, Flores called a meeting of the California government. He reorganized the remaining government. On November 1, Flores officially became the temporary governor and comandante general.
Key Battles and American Advance
Flores needed help from the Mexican government. He sent Captain Antonio Coronel to Sonora to get more soldiers. On their way, Coronel's men learned that General Stephen W. Kearny was advancing. A messenger quickly told Flores. Flores sent Andrés Pico to meet the Americans. The Battle of San Pasqual happened soon after.
After this battle, Flores asked Pico to return to Los Angeles. But he told Pico to leave some men in the south to watch the Americans. Flores also sent José del Carmen Lugo and his militia to Temecula to handle a local situation.
By January 4, 1847, Stockton and Kearny had joined their forces. They had 660 men and were marching towards Los Angeles. In the north, John Charles Fremont was also moving south towards Los Angeles with 320 men. Flores sent messages asking for a temporary stop to the fighting. He hoped to get news from Mexico City about ending the war. This was a way to gain time. Stockton refused. He demanded that Flores's forces surrender completely. He said everyone would be forgiven except Flores, who would be captured or shot.
Battle of Rio San Gabriel
On January 8, 1847, Stockton's army met Flores's Californios at the Battle of Rio San Gabriel. The Americans won a difficult battle. Flores then regrouped his forces.
Battle of La Mesa and Flores's Departure
On January 9, 1847, Flores's troops faced Stockton's forces one last time at the Battle of La Mesa. By January 12, Flores's troops offered a flag of truce, meaning they were ready to surrender.
On January 10, 1847, Flores left Los Angeles. He held a final meeting where he decided to leave California. He gave command of his forces to Andrés Pico. That night, January 11, he left for Sonora, Mexico. Before leaving Los Angeles, he released all the prisoners.
See also
In Spanish: José María Flores (gobernador) para niños
