Battle of Cañada

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Cañada


caption=A page from Colonel Price's report showing troop movements.
partof=the Mexican-American War, (Taos Revolt)
date=January 24, 1847
place=Santa Cruz, New Mexico
result=American victory
combatant1=United States
combatant2=Mexican Insurgents
commander1=Sterling Price
commander2=Pablo Chavez
Pablo Montoya
Jesus Tafoya†
strength1=353
strength2=1,500
casualties1=8
casualties2=36

The Battle of Cañada was part of the Taos Revolt, a popular insurrection against the United States by Mexicans. It took place on January 24, 1847, during the Mexican-American War.

Background

Insurgents in New Mexico under the leadership of Pablo Chavez, Pablo Montoya and Jesus Tafoya, began marching south toward the American-held city of Santa Fe.

Battle

Colonel Sterling Price, commander of the U.S. forces in Santa Fe, heard of this insurgent movement and assembled a force of 353 soldiers and marched north to intercept them. Price met the large insurgent force on a hilltop position near the town of Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Price attacked and drove off the insurgents inflicting 36 casualties including Jesus Tafoya, one of the leaders.

A few days later Price again defeated the insurgents at the Battle of Embudo Pass and drove them back into fortifications at Pueblo de Taos.

ee also

*List of conflicts in the United States
*Battles of the Mexican-American War

References

* Frazier, Donald S., editor "The United States and Mexico at War" (1998)