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In this first battle of the Mexican-American War, U.S. General Zachary Taylor led the Americans against
the Mexican Army, led by General Mariano Arista.
On May 8, 1846, Taylor's army of 2,300 men encountered Arista's force
of 3,400 to 4,000 troops on the open prairie of Palo Alto.
Taylor's forces were attempting to break through to relieve the besieged Fort Texas, while Arista sought to
block their advance and maintain the siege.
General Mariano Arista positioned his Mexican troops, including some of their best regular units, in a mile-long front to
block Taylor's advance to Fort Texas. Taylor was outnumbered at least two-to-one, with Mexican cavalry
significantly outnumbering American dragoons.
Notable junior officers under Taylor included future Civil War generals George C. Meade and Ulysses S. Grant.
Following advice from West Point graduates on his staff, Taylor placed two 18-pound siege guns in his center,
using canister shot (think shotgun) against advancing Mexican forces. His mobile field artillery, consisting of 6-pound
guns and 12-pound howitzers, effectively repelled attacks on his flanks.
The Mexican forces were handicapped by outdated bronze 4-pounder and 8-pounder cannons with limited range, their
shots often falling short and moving slowly enough for American troops to dodge.
In the afternoon, a gun wad ignited the dry prairie grass, forcing an hour-long suspension of combat. When fighting resumed,
Mexican forces quickly retreated.
The battle concluded at nightfall with both armies bivouacking. Mexican casualties were severe, with 320 killed and
380 wounded, primarily from American artillery fire. American losses were minimal: 9 killed and 47 wounded, including
the mortal wounding of Major Ringgold.
At dawn of May 9, 1846, Taylor observed the Mexican army in full retreat but delayed pursuit until afternoon, spending the morning
fortifying his wagon train's position.
Said pursuit resulted in the Battle of Resaca de la Palma.
And here is the map
BATTLE
OF PALO ALTO
Click map to enlarge
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