Battle of Zapote Bridge - Definition and Overview

The Battle of Zapote Bridge was an engagment fought on June 13, 1899 during the Philippine-American War between 3,000 American soldiers and 5,000 Filipinos.

The battle started when Companies F and I, 21st Infantry were ambushed by 1,000 Filipinos, where there was terrific fighting, but the Americans running low on ammunition had to break through the enemy's flank. American gunboats also silenced a Philippine artillery piece which had been harassing them.

After hours of heavy fighting, the superior arms of the Americans drove the enemy out of their defensive lines; a Filipino rear guard, however held off the Americans long enough for the main Filipino force to withdraw inland.

Both sides suffered heavily: the American suffered 75 casualties 15 of which KIA, and the Filipinos sufferd an estimated 400 casualties, 140 of which were deaths.

The New York Times reported that it was "the largest and best organized body of men which has met American Troops."