The Battle of Cerro Gordo occurred during the Mexican-American War.

After United States forces captured the port of Veracruz on March 27, 1847, General Winfield Scott advanced toward Mexico City. General Antonio López de Santa Anna, commanding Mexican forces in the area, blocked Scott's march at Cerro Gordo , near Xalapa, with more than 12,000 soldiers in a fortified defile. Scott's corps of engineers discovered a mountain trail around Santa Anna's position. Scott quickly moved the main body of his command along the trail, flanking the Mexicans. A sharp action ensued on April 18, 1847, resulting in a rout of Santa Anna's force. Mexican losses were 1,000 killed and wounded and 3,000 taken prisoner. U.S. losses were 64 killed and 353 wounded. General Antonio López de Santa Anna during the battle while eating roast chicken was surprised when the Fourth Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry came upon them. Santa Anna rode away and left his artificial leg, which they captured and have on display in Illinois.

Because of the terrain and the successful flanking maneuver used in the encounter, this battle has been called "the Thermopylae of the West".

Scott moved on to Puebla, 75 miles (120 km) from Mexico City, where he halted on May 15, 1847.

There were four company grade officers in Scott's corp of engineers who were of significant historical interest; Captain Robert E. Lee, Captain George B. McClellan, Captain Joseph E. Johnston and Lieutenant P.G.T. Beauregard. All went on to serve as generals in the American Civil War (1861–1865).

Reference

• The Encyclopedia of Military History, Dupuy and Dupuy. Harper & Row, Publishers.

http://www.il.ngb.army.mil/museum/Static/santa.htm

See also Battles of the Mexican-American War