Battles of Legend

The Mexican-American War had its battles of legend, just as any war does in retrospect.  The Battle of Buena Vista on February 22 and 23rd, 1847 was  fought between General Zachery Taylor and Mexican General Santa Anna.  When General Taylor was ordered to stand on the defensive by President Polk, he ignored those orders and marched south with his 5000 troops to attack Santa Anna's 15,000 troops at Buena Vista.  Two days of bloody fighting ensued.  Taylor's undisciplined volunteers fought courageously against heavy odds.  In the face of wavering American lines, the US Army's artillery halted the Mexican forces at point blank range.  Battle won.

After taking Veracruz in March 1847, breaking through the mountains, and by passing a trap set by Santa Anna near Pueblo, General Winfield Scott headed for Mexico City and the final battle.  He daringly cut lose his supply lines on August 7th.  Opinion went that with no base to fall back on, he was lost.  His troops were out-numbered, but they did not lose a battle on their drive toward Mexico City. On September 13th, Scotts Army took Chapultepec Palace outside Mexico City.  Among the defenders were teenage cadets, Los Ninos, which have become a symbol of Mexican courage.  The next day, escorted by US dragoons, Scott entered Mexico City with the Stars and Stripes waving over the Halls of Montezuma (the National Palace).   The Marine lieutenant who planted that flag is celebrated in the Marine hymn.  Battle won - War won.

As a side note, among Scott's officers were Robert E Lee, Ulysses S Grant, Thomas J Jackson, and George H Thomas - all West Point educated and destined for later legends of their own.

Next time...Problems with Peace
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Today in Pioneer History:  On May 4, 1886, a riot breaks out in Haymarket Square in Chicago.  It began as a peaceful labor protest against horrible working conditions, then became a riot with mare than 100 wounded and 8 officers dead.  The authorities claimed they arrested every socialist, and anarchist in town.  Eight men, who were either speakers or organizers were charged with murder.