Battle of Churubusco
Former Franciscan convent of Churubusco, Mexico City, Mexico
What happened
A US army under General Winfield Scott fought Mexican forces under Antonio López de Santa Anna, with Generals Pedro Anaya and Manuel Rincón defending the convent. In the Mexican-American War, the US army was closing in on Mexico City. Mexican troops, including the San Patricio Battalion of former US soldiers, defended a fortified Franciscan convent and a nearby bridge. Outnumbered and short of ammunition, the defenders held out until the convent was taken.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It brought the US army to within about 8 km of Mexico City. Scott chose not to chase the retreating Mexican army straight into the city.
What came next
The convent today houses Mexico's National Museum of Interventions.
Did you know?
When a US general asked General Anaya to hand over his ammunition, Anaya replied, 'If I had any ammunition, you would not be here.'
Timeline
- 20 August 1847The US wins at Churubusco.