San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park |
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| Nearest city | Escondido, California |
| Governing body | State of California |
| Reference #: | 533 |
The San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park remembers the soldiers who fought in the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual. This was a fierce battle in California during the Mexican–American War. The fight happened on December 6, 1846. United States troops, led by General Stephen Kearny, fought against Californio forces. These forces were led by General Andres Pico. Californios were people of Mexican descent living in California.
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About the Battle of San Pasqual
What Was the Mexican-American War?
The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico. It lasted from 1846 to 1848. The war was mainly about land, especially the area that is now the American Southwest. California was part of Mexico at that time.
The Battle Itself
The Battle of San Pasqual was one of the most important battles in California during this war. General Kearny's U.S. troops were tired from a long journey. They were surprised by the Californio forces. The battle was short but very intense. Both sides fought bravely.
Why Was This Battle Important?
Even though the battle was tough for the U.S. troops, it was a key moment. It showed the strong resistance from the Californios. Eventually, the U.S. won the Mexican-American War. California became part of the United States. This park helps us remember the people and events of that time.
Visiting the Park
What You Can See and Do
The park is a great place to learn about history. It has a visitor center with many displays. You can see exhibits about the culture of the San Pasqual Valley. There is also a movie that tells the story of the battle.
Sometimes, the park hosts "living history" presentations. Volunteers dress up in old costumes. They show what life was like during the battle. This helps history come alive!
Park Location and Hours
The park is about 50-acre (200,000 m2) in size. It is located next to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. You can find it on San Pasqual Valley Road, south of Escondido, California. It is on Highway 78 in San Diego County. The park is open only on weekends.
How the Park Was Created
The Native Sons of the Golden West helped a lot to create this park. They worked hard to raise money and protect the land. They wanted to make sure the battle site was remembered. Later, they gave the park to the State of California. Today, it is a California State Park. It is also a California Historical Landmark. This means it is a special place recognized for its important history.
