The Battle For Los Angeles

The Battle of Rio San Gabriel was a significant engagement during the Mexican-American War, fought on January 8, 1847, near present-day Montebello, California. This confrontation represented a critical moment in the American conquest of California and played an important role in securing U.S. control of the region.

The battle occurred as part of the larger California Campaign, with American forces under the command of Commodore Robert F. Stockton and General Stephen W. Kearny advancing northward from San Diego toward Los Angeles. Their combined force of approximately 600 men consisted of U.S. Navy sailors, Marines, Army dragoons, and volunteers.

Opposing them was a smaller Mexican Californio force of about 300-500 men led by General José María Flores. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Californios established a defensive position on the heights overlooking the eastern bank of the Rio San Gabriel (San Gabriel River), hoping to use the natural terrain to their advantage.

As the American forces approached the river on January 8, they faced a challenging tactical situation. The river crossing was difficult terrain, with steep banks and the defenders positioned on higher ground. Stockton organized his troops into a square formation with his artillery at the corners and the baggage train protected in the center. This defensive arrangement would prove effective against cavalry attacks.

The battle began around 2:00 PM when American artillery opened fire on Mexican positions. Under this covering fire, American troops crossed the shallow river while enduring artillery and small arms fire from the Californios. The Mexican forces attempted several cavalry charges against the American square, but these were repulsed by disciplined infantry and artillery fire.

After crossing the river, American forces advanced up the heights and forced the Californios to abandon their positions. The battle lasted approximately 90 minutes and resulted in a decisive American victory. American casualties were light, with just two killed and nine wounded, while Mexican losses were estimated at around 35-40 casualties.

The following day, the retreating Mexican forces made another stand at the Battle of La Mesa, but were again defeated. These consecutive losses led to the Mexican surrender of Los Angeles on January 10, effectively ending major hostilities in California.

The Battle of Rio San Gabriel was significant for several reasons. Militarily, it demonstrated the effectiveness of American artillery and disciplined infantry against cavalry-centered forces. Strategically, it secured American control of California, which would be formally ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

Today, the battle site is marked by a California Historical Landmark plaque, recognizing its importance in the state's transition from Mexican to American control. The battle represents an important chapter in the complex history of California and the American Southwest, reflecting the territorial expansion of the United States during the era of Manifest Destiny and the profound cultural and political changes that followed.

To learn more about The Battle Of Rio San Gabriel, check out our episode “American Forces vs. Mexican Army: The Battle Of Rio San Gabriel”.