A small Californio force repelled a superior U.S. Marine detachment, briefly capturing U.S. Colors and halting the American reoccupation of Los Angeles.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 8–9, 1846
- Californio force size
- 50 troops soldiers
- U.S. Marine force size
- ~300 Marines soldiers
- Rancho area
- 75,000 acres (30,000 ha)
- Cannon used by Californios
- 1 small cannon, repositioned to deceive enemy
- Outcome
- U.S. Marines forced to retreat to San Pedro Bay
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Siege of Los Angeles, U.S. Navy Captain William Mervine led approximately 300 Marines ashore at San Pedro Bay in an attempt to recapture Pueblo de Los Angeles from Californio forces who had retaken the town from American control.
On October 8–9, 1846, Captain José Antonio Carrillo's fifty Californio soldiers used a single small cannon, repositioning it repeatedly across the Dominguez Hills and driving horses through the dust to simulate a large force. This ruse inflicted heavy casualties on the Marines and halted their advance. U.S. Colors were captured on the battlefield—a rare occurrence in American military history at that time.
Faced with significant casualties and unable to overcome the Californios' defensive tactics, the remaining U.S. Marines retreated to their ships in San Pedro Bay. The American reoccupation of Los Angeles was delayed, and the battle stood as a notable Californio tactical success during the Mexican–American War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
José Antonio Carrillo.
Side B
1 belligerent
William Mervine.