Battle of Cañada

Battle of Cañada
Part of the Taos Revolt Mexican-American War
A page from Colonel Price's report showing troop movements.
Date January 24, 1847 Location Santa Cruz, New Mexico Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders
Sterling Price John Burgwin Ceran St. Vrain	Pablo Chavez Pablo Montoya Jesus Tafoya†
Strength
~400 cavalry, infantry, militia, unknown artillery	~1,500 militia, native scouts
Casualties and losses
2 killed, 2 wounded	36 killed, unknown wounded

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 Taos Revolt, a conflict of the Mexican-American War.

Background

Insurgents, Pueblos and Apaches 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. Before reaching their destination, they would be intercepted by the American garrison of Santa Fe, resulting in battle.

Battle

Colonel Sterling Price, commander of the U.S. forces in Santa Fe, heard of this insurgent movement and assembled a force of about 365 soldiers and militia to march north and intercept them. Price met the large insurgent force on a hilltop position near the presidio town of Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Price attacked and drove off the insurgents inflicting 36 deaths and many wounds, including Jesus Tafoya, one of the leaders. The Mexicans retreated to strategic pass that guarded the principal route to Taos. 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.

See 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)