Monterrey is a land of work and effort, and although many grow up with the pride of being from Monterrey, and some strangers in the northern mountains end up falling in love with its wealth and history, there are still many people who don’t know this The Sultana del Norte experienced an important battle against the US Army.
The Battle of Monterrey was a key engagement during the Mexican-American War, which took place from September 20 to 24, 1846. in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León.
Background:
By 1846, tensions between the United States and Mexico had reached a critical point due to territorial disputes in southwestern North America. particularly in the territory of Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and then annexed the United States in 1845. American President James K. Polk wanted to expand his country’s borders westward and considered annexing Texas as part of this plan.
Preparations:
General Zachary Taylor, commander of the American army in northern Mexico, had advanced toward Monterrey. a strategic city in the state of Nuevo León. The city was well fortified and defended by General Pedro Ampudia, who had about 7,000 Mexican troops. Taylor, on the other hand, had around 6,000 American soldiers.
The fight:
The Battle of Monterey began on September 20, 1846, when American forces attacked the city. The city’s narrow streets and fortifications made the American advance slow and dangerous. For several days there was fierce fighting from street to street and house to house, causing heavy loss of life on both sides.
The Americans advanced slowly, capturing strategic points such as Independence Hill and Federation Fort. On September 23, General Ampudia offered a ceasefire to discuss terms of surrender, but negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
Finally, on September 24, the Americans managed to take control of Monterrey. although the city was in ruins and had suffered heavy casualties. General Ampudia and his troops retreated into the interior of Mexico.
Consequences:
The Battle of Monterrey was a major victory for the United States in its invasion campaign against Mexico during the Mexican-American War. However, fighting continued in other parts of Mexico for several years. The war ended in 1848 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which established the terms of peace and resulted in the cession of vast Mexican territories to the United States.
The Battle of Monterrey was a significant episode in the history of both countries and left a deep mark on the historical memory of Mexico and the United States.
