Battle of San Pasqual - U.S. forces win on a technicality

On a cold, misty, December morning in 1846, the "Army of the West" commanded by Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny engaged the Californios in what would be known as the Battle of San Pasqual in San Diego’s backcountry. In 15 minutes of fighting, American forces would lose 22 men. The enemy reportedly lost one man in the skirmish. But despite the losses, the battle would be marked a win for the Americans.

 

The valley of San Pasqual lies between the town of Ramona and City of Escondido, near the San Diego Wild Animal Park. On the north side of Highway 78 is the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park with visitor’s center and museum. The center has a panoramic view of the battlefield though some distance separates the two. Re-enactments are conducted throughout the year.

 

The battle came at the end of a 1,000-mile journey undertaken by Kearny and 300 dragoons. Their trek started at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas with orders to take Santa Fe, New Mexico. Upon completion of this first task, they headed towards California to become the country’s "Army of the West".

 

Along the way they met famed Indian Scout Kit Carson with his escort of 18 men. Carson had a message for Kearny that the war in California was won and the entire state of California was in the firm hands of the U.S. Kearny sent 200 dragoons go back to Kansas, and continued to the destination at San Diego.

 

Approaching San Diego, an escort was sent out to guide Kearny with warnings of a band of Californios in the area. Kearny decided to engage the enemy and sent scouts to the Indian Village of San Pasqual. Andres Pico, the younger brother of Mexican Govenor Pio Pico, led the Californios. The group numbered seventy-two and were armed to the teeth with lances and fresh horses.

 

On December 5, 1846 Kearny sent scouts to locate the enemy. Unfortunately, the scouts made enough noise to alert the Californios who would be prepared when the attack came.

 

There may have been the false assumption that the Californios would run at the first charge. Reality proved different. Kearny’s troops on the other hand were in no shape to fight. Their journey from Santa Fe had been arduous and left them malnourished and most without horses. Most would ride into battle on mules. Recent rains had made their gunpowder useless, and the sabers they wore at their side would prove no match for the longer lances they would face.

 

Upon return of the scouts, Kearny decided to make his attack. It was a cold, misty morning before sun up when they set out. Reaching to a point about a thousand yards from the village of San Pasqual the order to charge was heard.

The distance to the village being so great the American forces were soon spread out along the valley, with the officers on healthier mounts taking the lead.

 

To the Californios, the scene was ludicrous, but they pulled back, turned and fired upon the Americans killing several. Again, the Californios retreated, turned back, but this time slashed with their lances. With their gunpowder wet and useless, the Americans were forced to use their sabers wihich proved no match.

 

Twenty-two Americans died that day and Kearny himself suffered wounds. They retreated to a place called Mule Hill where the Californios held them under seige for four days. On December 11, 1846 troops sent from San Diego appeared and the Californios left.

 

Because technically the Californios had left the battlefield the win went to the Americans. But many errors were made that day. Arguably the biggest blunder was underestimating the enemy.

 

The park is located on Highway 78, just east of the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

San Pasqual Battlefield
State Historic Park & Museum
15808 San Pasqual Valley Road

Escondido, CA 92027
(760) 737-2201

Open Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is free.