Capture of Cerro Gordo - April 18, 1847

On April 18, 1847, during the Mexican-American War, American forces led by General Winfield Scott achieved a significant victory by capturing the Mexican town of Cerro Gordo. This battle was a pivotal moment in the U.S. campaign to seize control over Mexico City.

Context and Background

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was triggered by disputes over territories between the United States and Mexico following the U.S. annexation of Texas. The conflict intensified as the U.S. aimed to expand its territories further into the Mexican states.

After landing at Veracruz in March 1847, General Winfield Scott commenced a push inland towards the Mexican capital. Cerro Gordo, located on a crucial pathway to Mexico City, was heavily fortified by Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna.

The Battle

The Mexican defenses at Cerro Gordo were strategically placed upon advantageous terrain, equipped with artillery to deter American advances. Santa Anna’s army, numbering around 12,000, held strong positions on the heights overlooking the narrow approaches to the town.

General Scott, commanding an American force of approximately 8,500, executed a well-planned assault. Scott planned to outflank the Mexican positions through a concealed trail prepared by his engineers. Led by Captain Robert E. Lee, who would later gain fame as a Confederate general in the American Civil War, this maneuver allowed the Americans to ascend behind the Mexican lines.

The assault was divided into several coordinated attacks. General David E. Twiggs led the main assault on the Mexican right flank, while a separate column under Brigadier General James Shields advanced uphill to hit the Mexican center.

The Result

American forces successfully overcame the Mexican defenses by midday on April 18, forcing an ordered retreat. The Americans captured about 3,000 Mexican soldiers, seized artillery pieces, and confiscated Santa Anna’s personal baggage, including his wooden leg.

Aftermath and Significance

The victory at Cerro Gordo opened the road to Mexico City for the American forces and demoralized the Mexican army. The success showcased Scott’s strategic acumen and marked a turning point in the U.S. campaign, significantly contributing to the final American victory in the Mexican-American War.

The battle also highlighted the emerging military prowess of future notable military figures like Robert E. Lee, whose reconnaissance and advice were crucial to the American success.

Cerro Gordo represents not just a military win, but a step towards significant territorial gains for the United States, reshaping the national boundaries and fueling the concept of Manifest Destiny during that era.