US ResearchConflictsMexican-American WarCaliforniaCapitulation of Cahuenga
Mexican-American War

Capitulation of Cahuenga

1847
California
Era
Mexican-American War
Year
1847
Location
California
Status
Historical record
The Battle

History & Significance

Capitulation of Cahuenga was a Mexican-American War engagement fought in California, 1847. It was a United States victory.

The Treaty of Cahuenga was an 1847 agreement that ended the Conquest of California during the Mexican-American War. It resulted from the conflict between American forces and Californios (Mexican Californians) fighting for control of Alta California, which is modern-day California. The treaty was necessary to establish a ceasefire and conclude the fighting within the region as part of the broader Mexican-American War.

The treaty was signed on 13 January 1847 at the Campo de Cahuenga. It was drafted in both English and Spanish by José Antonio Carrillo and signed by John C. Frémont, who represented the American forces, and Andrés Pico, who represented the Mexican forces. The agreement addressed the military situation by requiring the Californios to surrender their artillery and called for the immediate release of all prisoners held by both sides.

The treaty's outcome established terms for peace and reintegration of the Californio population. Those Californios who agreed not to take up arms again during the war and promised to obey United States laws and regulations were permitted to return peacefully to their homes and ranchos. They were granted the same rights and privileges as United States citizens and were not required to take an oath of allegiance until a formal peace treaty was signed between the United States and Mexico. Additionally, Californios were given the privilege of leaving if they chose to do so. This agreement effectively ended the fighting of the Mexican-American War within Alta California.

Result
United States victory
Forces engaged
US: Lt. Col. Frémont; California: Gen. Andrés Pico
Casualties
None
Outcome
The treaty ended the fighting of the Mexican-American War within Alta California. Californios who agreed to cease hostilities and obey United States laws were allowed to return to their homes with the same rights and privileges as United States citizens, pending a final peace treaty between the nations.

Approximate location. The nearest recorded settlement is shown; the exact site is unrecorded.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Capitulation of Cahuenga take place?
Capitulation of Cahuenga took place in 1847.
Where was Capitulation of Cahuenga fought?
Capitulation of Cahuenga was fought in California, United States.
What was the significance of Capitulation of Cahuenga?
The Treaty of Cahuenga was an 1847 agreement that ended the Conquest of California during the Mexican-American War. It resulted from the conflict between American forces and Californios (Mexican Californians) fighting for control of Alta California, which is modern-day California. The treaty was nec
Unlimited access

Everything a full report reveals about Capitulation of Cahuenga

This page covers Capitulation of Cahuenga. A full Aubrey report for the area pulls together this battle alongside historic sites, land records, and everything else the record holds within a few miles:

Overview
An interactive map of the location with historic sites, battles and Native heritage plotted, and its full story era by era.
The Land
The historic sites and place names around the location, and how this land was settled and used.
Geology
The bedrock beneath the site, its age and rock type, reaching back millions of years.
LiDAR Terrain
Laser-scanned terrain that reveals earthworks and old features hidden in the landscape.
Conflict & War
The battles, raids and skirmishes fought near here, across every era of American conflict.
The Civil War
The Civil War on this ground, 1861 to 1865: who held it, and the battles, camps and regiments nearby.
The Soldiers
The men who marched from here in the Civil War, named and traced where the record allows.
Native Heritage
The Native nations who held this land, mapped across time from before European contact to today.
Settlement
Who claimed and held this ground, from Indigenous homelands through the colonial powers to the United States.
The Community
How the town grew, who came, and what kind of place it became, traced through the census record.
Rivers & Rail
The rivers, canals and railroads that connected this place between 1830 and 1911.
Notable People
The people born, buried or genuinely tied to this exact place, with their stories.
Historical Maps
Historic maps of the location layered over how it looks today.
Finds & Access
Museum objects tied to the area, and the laws on searching, collecting and access here.
Literature
The old books, county histories and archives that mention this place, quoted with their sources.
Spotlight
A deep dive into the most remarkable, lesser-known history of the place, traced back to the record.
Points of Interest
The most significant historic sites and landmarks near the location, and why they matter.
Timeline
The whole story of the location told era by era, from first peoples to the present day.
First month just $5.99, then $11.99 a month. Unlimited locations, cancel anytime.

Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.

Start your Capitulation of Cahuenga report
Or see a real report first
Protected heritage nearby

Historic Sites near Capitulation of Cahuenga

Campo de Cahuenga
Listed · 0.4 mi
Case Study House No. 21
Industrial · 2 mi
More from this era

Other Mexican-American War Engagements

Estanislao's Revolt - Central Valley
1829
California
Action at Natividad (California)
1846
California
Battle of Dominguez Rancho / Battle of Rancho Dominguez
1846
California
Battle of San Pasqual (California)
1846
California
San Pedro Landing - Stockton's Marine Advance
1846
California
Rancho Dominguez - Battle of the Old Woman's Gun
1846
California
San Diego Naval Occupation
1846
California
Action at Chino Rancho (California)
1846
California
Battle of San Pasqual - Second Day (December 7)
1846
California
Siege of Los Angeles
1846
California
Battle of San Pasqual - Pico's Lancer Charge
1846
California
Battle of Natividad
1846
California
Capture of San Diego
1846
California
Battle of Santa Barbara (California)
1846
California
Battle of San Diego Dec 1846
1846
California
USS Cyane at San Diego
1846
California
San Francisco (Yerba Buena) Occupation
1846
California
All battles in CaliforniaMexican-American Warconflicts ›Historic sites in California
Source

This page is compiled from cited public sources.

Aubrey Research

Explore the history around California

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in the US, drawing on NRHP records, battlefield archives, census history and geological data to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near CaliforniaView a free sample report
All Mexican-American War Battles