Siege of Puebla (1847) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Puebla
Part of the Mexican–American War
Date 13–14 September until 12 October 1847 Location Puebla, Puebla Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Childs Joseph Lane	Joaquín Rea Antonio López de Santa Anna
Strength
500 (garrison) 3,000 (relief force)	4,000
Casualties and losses
78	?

The Siege of Puebla was an important battle during the Mexican–American War. It happened in 1847 in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The battle lasted for 28 days. American soldiers were defending the city against Mexican forces. The Mexican army wanted to cut off the American supply lines. This siege started on the same day that Mexico City fell to General Winfield Scott.

Why the Siege of Puebla Happened

General Winfield Scott was leading the American army. He had placed small groups of soldiers, called garrisons, along the road from Veracruz to Mexico City. These garrisons protected his supply lines. One of these important garrisons was in the city of Puebla. Puebla was about two-thirds of the way from the coast to Mexico City.

Who Was in Charge?

Major Thomas Childs was in charge of the American soldiers in Puebla. He was a brevet colonel, which means he had a higher rank for a special mission. Childs had about 500 soldiers to defend the city.

After the fall of Mexico City, General Antonio López de Santa Anna was no longer the president of Mexico. He decided to split his army. He took half of his soldiers to try and take back Puebla. General Joaquín Rea was also in the area. He led Mexican guerrilla forces, which are small groups of fighters who use surprise attacks.

The Siege Begins

On the night of September 13–14, 1847, General Rea's forces entered the city of Puebla. They had about 4,000 men. The American soldiers held strong positions. They were in a convent, a fort called Loretto, and the citadel of San José. A citadel is like a strong fortress.

Defending the City

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel W. Black was in charge of the citadel of San José. This citadel was also a hospital for 1,800 sick and wounded soldiers. The Mexican forces tried to take most of the city's cattle. But Major Childs managed to save enough food to prevent his soldiers from starving.

On September 16, General Rea demanded that the American soldiers surrender. Major Childs bravely refused. Rea then attacked San José, but his attack was not successful. Childs also stopped a second attack on September 18.

Santa Anna's Arrival

General Santa Anna arrived in Puebla on September 22. He launched an attack with 500 men on the convent. This attack also failed. Santa Anna then asked Childs to surrender, but Childs refused again. The attacks on the American positions continued from September 27 until October 1.

The Siege Ends

At the end of September, Santa Anna left Puebla with most of his soldiers. He went to face another American general, Joseph Lane, who was leading a relief column. A relief column is a group of soldiers sent to help those under siege.

Santa Anna was defeated by General Lane at the Battle of Huamantla. This defeat allowed General Lane to reach Puebla. On October 12, General Lane's forces fought their way into the city. This ended the siege, and the American soldiers in Puebla were saved.

Justin H. Smith's The War with Mexico

See also

In Spanish: Sitio de Puebla (1847) para niños