Battle of Cerro Gordo - Definition and Overview

The Battle of Cerro Gordo occurred during the Mexican War.

After United States forces captured Veracruz on March 27, 1847, General Winfield Scott advanced toward Mexico City. General Antonio López de Santa Anna, commanding Mexican forces in the area, blocked Scott’s march at Cerro Gordo with more than 12,000 soldiers in a fortified defile. Scott’s corps of engineers discovered a mountain trail around Santa Anna’s position. Scott quickly moved the main body of his command along the trail flanking the Mexicans. A sharp action ensued on April 18, 1847 resulting in a rout of Santa Anna’s force. Mexican losses were 1,000 killed and wounded and 3,000 taken prisoner. United States losses were 64 killed and 353 wounded.

Scott moved on to Puebla, 75 miles from Mexico City, where he halted on May 15, 1847.

There were four company grade officers in Scott’s corp of engineers who were of significant historical interest; Captain Robert E. Lee, Captain George B. McClellan, Captain Joseph E. Johnston and Lieutenant P.G.T. Beauregard. All went on to serve as generals in the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Reference

• The Encyclopedia of Military History, Dupuy and Dupuy. Harper & Row, Publishers.

See also Battles of the Mexican-American War