Battle of Churubusco

Overview

The Battle of Churubusco took place on August 20, 1847, while Santa Anna's army was in retreat from the Battle of Contreras or Battle of Padierna during the Mexican–American War. It was the battle where the San Patricio Battalion, made up largely of US deserters, made their last stand against U.S. forces. The U.S. Army was victorious, outnumbering more than six-to-one the defending Mexican troops. After the battle, the U.S. Army was only 5 miles (8 km) away from Mexico City. 50 Saint Patrick's Battalion members were officially executed by the U.S. Army, all but two by hanging. Collectively, this was the largest mass execution in United States history.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

Churubusco was fought on August 20, 1847, as Santa Anna's army retreated from the Battle of Contreras, and its outcome placed U.S. forces within five miles of Mexico City, decisively opening the approach to the Mexican capital. The battle effectively broke organized Mexican resistance in the immediate theater, with Mexican casualties reaching 1,261 against a defending force of roughly 3,800. The engagement is also notable for the fate of the San Patricio Battalion, composed largely of U.S. deserters who had crossed to the Mexican side and made their last stand here. Following the American victory, 50 members of the battalion were executed by the U.S. Army — all but two by hanging — constituting the largest mass execution in United States history. The episode underscored the severity with which the U.S. Army treated wartime desertion, particularly when deserters bore arms against their former comrades.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (4)