Battle of Cañada

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Battle of Cañada
Part of the Mexican-American War, (Taos Revolt)
A page from Colonel Price's report showing troop movements.
Date January 24, 1847 Location Santa Cruz, New Mexico Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexican Insurgents
Commanders
Sterling Price	Pablo Chavez Pablo Montoya Jesus Tafoya†
Strength
353	1,500
Casualties and losses
8	36

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 Mexican-American War.

[edit] Background

Insurgents 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.

[edit] Battle

Colonel Sterling Price, commander of the U.S. forces in Santa Fe, heard of this insurgent movement and assembled a force of 353 soldiers and marched north to intercept them. Price met the large insurgent force on a hilltop position near the town of Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Price attacked and drove off the insurgents inflicting 36 casualties including Jesus Tafoya, one of the leaders.

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.

[edit] References

• Frazier, Donald S., editor The United States and Mexico at War (1998)