What happened at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847?

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How the Mexican-American War changed the U.S. forever — Mexican-American War Learn how the Mexican-American War ultimately pushed the United States closer to civil war.

The Battle of Buena Vista (February 22–23, 1847) was a pivotal engagement in the Mexican-American War. General Zachary Taylor positioned his force of approximately 5,000 U.S. troops at La Angostura, a mountain pass near Saltillo, to intercept General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who led a larger but poorly equipped force of 14,000.1

On February 23, Santa Anna launched a main attack against the Americans' unfortified left flank. Although some U.S. volunteer regiments retreated, heavy artillery fire successfully repelled the Mexican forces. By nightfall, the Mexican army had suffered approximately 1,500 casualties compared to 700 for the U.S.1

Under the cover of darkness, Santa Anna retreated, leaving campfires burning as a ruse. Taylor did not pursue, as the Mexican army was already suffering from significant desertions. This victory bolstered Taylor’s national reputation, contributing to his election as U.S. president in 1848, and effectively halted Mexican resistance in the north, clearing the way for the eventual U.S. victory.1