Battle of Natividad

The bronze counts the dead as several on each side, and the two sides never agreed. By one count the Californios killed three Americans and wounded seven while losing no one; the Americans claimed several Californios dead. Manuel Castro's riders had come for the horses being gathered for the American push south, and they rode off without them. The American forces the bronze names included Walla Walla and Lenape men, who had arrived with the reinforcements and fought hard. The volunteers who died were buried on the Gomez rancho.

What the plaque says

Battle of Natividad Combined American forces under Captains Charles D. Burrass (or Burroughs) and Bluford K.Thompson clashed with Comandante Manuel de Jesus Castro's Californians in this vicinity on November 16, 1846. Casualties on each side consisted of several men killed and wounded.The Americans saved a large herd of horses for Lt. Col. John C. Fremont, who then later proceeded south to participate in the Armistice at Cahuenga in January 1847. California Registered Historical Landmark No.651 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Monterey County Historical Society and the County of Monterey, November 16, 1958. Rededicated by Monterey-Viejo No. 1846,E Clampus Vitus, October 29, 1983.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Fremont Peak — 5.6 mi
• Castro-Breen Adobe — 6.2 mi
• Plaza Hotel — 6.2 mi
• Mission San Juan Bautista and Plaza — 6.3 mi