General Zachary Taylor's 4,600 American troops repelled an assault by roughly 15

1847 Event

Taylor Wins at Buena Vista: Outnumbered Americans Prevail

General Zachary Taylor's 4,600 American troops repelled an assault by roughly 15,000 Mexican soldiers under General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista on February 23, 1847. Taylor had been ordered to stay defensive, but his refusal to retreat from an exposed position forced the engagement. The fighting lasted two days across rugged terrain south of Saltillo. American artillery, particularly a battery commanded by Captain Braxton Bragg, proved decisive, shredding Mexican infantry formations with canister shot. Santa Anna withdrew overnight after suffering over 3,400 casualties. Taylor lost roughly 670 men. The victory made Taylor a national hero and propelled him directly to the White House in 1848, following the pattern of Washington, Jackson, and Harrison in converting military fame into presidential elections. Taylor died in office sixteen months later, possibly from contaminated cherries and milk consumed at a Fourth of July celebration.

Talk About This Event

February 23, 1847

179 years ago

What Else Happened on February 23

303 Event

Diocletian's soldiers arrived at the church in Nicomedia on February 23, 303, stripped the building, and burned every manuscript they could find. No bloodshed t…

532 Event

Justinian ordered the Hagia Sophia built after rioters burned down the previous church during the Nika riots — the same riots where he nearly fled the city unti…

628 Event

Khosrow II lost an empire because he refused to believe his generals. The Sasanian shah had ruled for 38 years, conquered Egypt and Syria, laid siege to Constan…

705 Event

Wu Zetian ruled China for fifteen years as its only female emperor. She'd clawed her way from concubine to empress to sovereign, killing rivals, promoting schol…

1455 Event

Johannes Gutenberg produced the first copies of his 42-line Bible in his Mainz workshop around 1455, using a system of movable metal type, oil-based ink, and a …

1554 Event

Lautaro had been a Spanish stable boy. He'd fed their horses, watched their drills, learned how they fought. At Marihueñu, he used that knowledge. He let the Sp…

View all events on February 23 →

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking

← Back to February 23

Taylor Wins at Buena Vista: Outnumbered Americans Prevail

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on February 23

Talk to History