Military encounter during the Mexican-American War that occurred north of San Diego, Ca.
One of the few land battles in California during the Mexican-American War, notable for contested outcome between U.S. forces and Californio lancers.
Key Facts
- Dates of engagement
- December 6–7, 1846
- U.S. commander
- General Stephen W. Kearny
- Californio commander
- Major Andrés Pico
- U.S. unit
- Army of the West + California Battalion detachment
- Californio unit
- Presidial Lancers Los Galgos (The Greyhounds)
- Outcome
- Disputed; U.S. forces eventually reached San Diego
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Mexican-American War, the U.S. sought to seize California from Mexico. General Kearny's Army of the West marched westward and, joined by a detachment of the California Battalion under Archibald H. Gillespie, moved toward San Diego, encountering Californio resistance in the San Pasqual Valley.
On December 6 and 7, 1846, Kearny's combined U.S. force engaged a contingent of Californio Presidial Lancers known as Los Galgos, led by Major Andrés Pico. The series of skirmishes resulted in significant U.S. casualties and left both sides claiming victory, making the outcome one of the most disputed engagements of the war in California.
After the battle, U.S. reinforcements arrived and Kearny's troops successfully advanced to San Diego. The disputed result demonstrated that Californio forces could hold their own against U.S. regulars, though it did not alter the broader trajectory of American conquest of California.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Stephen W. Kearny, Archibald H. Gillespie.
Side B
1 belligerent
Major Andrés Pico.