One of the bloodiest battles of the Mexican–American War, fought on the outskirts of Mexico City one week before the city fell to American forces.
Key Facts
- Date
- 8 September 1847
- Conflict
- Mexican–American War
- American Commander
- Major General Winfield Scott
- Mexican Commander
- General Antonio León
- Days before Mexico City fell
- 7 days
- Notable participant
- Ulysses S. Grant (Captain)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As part of the broader campaign to capture Mexico City during the Mexican–American War, American forces under Major General Winfield Scott advanced on the capital's outskirts. El Molino del Rey, a fortified complex on the fringes of the city, was a strategic position that Mexican forces were determined to defend.
On 8 September 1847, American troops under Major General Winfield Scott attacked Mexican forces commanded by General Antonio León at El Molino del Rey. The engagement became one of the war's bloodiest, with the Americans making limited tactical progress despite ultimately forcing the Mexican defenders back.
Although the Americans failed to achieve a decisive breakthrough, Mexican forces could not hold El Molino del Rey long enough to protect Mexico City. One week after the battle, American forces captured Mexico City, effectively ending major combat operations in the Mexican–American War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Major General Winfield Scott.
Side B
1 belligerent
General Antonio León.