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Why was Chapultepec Castle important during the attack on Mexico City?

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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.

Chapultepec Castle was a site of critical strategic importance during the Mexican-American War because it served as the final obstacle for U.S. forces before they could capture Mexico City.12

Situated on a rocky hill, the castle overlooked the causeways that provided access to the city’s two western gates. Because of this position, U.S. Major General Winfield Scott needed to secure the site to proceed with his attack on the capital. The castle was defended by approximately 5,000 Mexican troops, including cadets from the National Military Academy, which was housed there at the time.21

Following a heavy artillery bombardment and fierce hand-to-hand combat on September 13, 1847, U.S. forces captured the castle. This victory allowed them to push forward along the causeways to seize the city gates, leading to the fall and occupation of Mexico City on September 14 and effectively concluding the war's major military operations.12