Taylor Defeats Mexico: Mexican-American War Begins
General Zachary Taylor's forces defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8, 1846, the first major engagement of the Mexican-American War. Taylor had 2,300 troops and superior artillery, including highly mobile "flying artillery" batteries that devastated the Mexican formations from long range. Mexican forces, though numbering 3,700, relied on outdated smoothbore cannons whose shots were visible in flight and could be dodged. The Americans suffered 9 killed and 47 wounded; Mexican casualties exceeded 250. The victory at Palo Alto, followed by Resaca de la Palma the next day, demonstrated American military superiority and prompted Congress to formally declare war on May 13, though the fighting had already begun.
May 8, 1846
180 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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