US ResearchConflictsMexican-American WarTexasBattle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill
Mexican-American War

Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill

1846
Texas
Era
Mexican-American War
Year
1846
Location
Texas
Status
Historical record
The Battle

History & Significance

Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill was a Mexican-American War engagement fought in Texas, 1846. It was a USA victory.

The Battle of Monterrey occurred as part of the Mexican-American War following General Zachary Taylor's advance into northern Mexico. After crossing the Rio Grande on May 18, 1846, and establishing his Army of Occupation headquarters first in Camargo, Tamaulipas on August 8 and then in Cerralvo on September 9, Taylor continued his march toward Monterrey. On June 8, United States Secretary of War William L. Marcy had ordered Taylor to continue command of operations in northern Mexico, suggested the taking of Monterrey, and defined his objective to dispose the enemy toward desiring an end to the war. This strategic advance set the stage for the confrontation at Monterrey.

The battle itself, fought from September 21-24, 1846, involved hard-fought urban combat between General Pedro de Ampudia's Mexican Army of the North and the Army of Occupation under General Zachary Taylor's command. Taylor's force comprised United States Regulars, Volunteers, and Texas Rangers. The engagement resulted in heavy casualties on both sides due to the nature of combat within an urban environment, which typically produces more intense and sustained fighting than open battlefield encounters.

The battle concluded with a negotiated resolution rather than a decisive military victory by either side. Both sides agreed to a two-month armistice, and the Mexican forces were permitted to make an orderly evacuation from the city in return for the surrender of Monterrey itself. This outcome reflected the costs of urban warfare and the mutual desire to avoid further immediate bloodshed, while securing the strategic objective of bringing Monterrey under United States control.

Result
USA victory
Forces engaged
Mexican Army of the North under General Pedro de Ampudia: unknown vs United States Army of Occupation under General Zachary Taylor: 6,640 men (composed of United States Regulars, Volunteers, and Texas Rangers)
Outcome
The Mexican forces under General Pedro de Ampudia were defeated and agreed to a two-month armistice, evacuating the city in an orderly fashion in return for surrendering Monterrey to the United States Army of Occupation.

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

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill take place?
Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill took place in 1846.
Where was Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill fought?
Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill was fought in Texas, United States.
What was the significance of Battle of Monterrey - Assault on Independence Hill?
The Battle of Monterrey occurred as part of the Mexican-American War following General Zachary Taylor's advance into northern Mexico. After crossing the Rio Grande on May 18, 1846, and establishing his Army of Occupation headquarters first in Camargo, Tamaulipas on August 8 and then in Cerralvo on S
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Native Heritage
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Source

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