San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

Read this bronze twice and you still will not learn who won. Severe losses were incurred by the American forces, it says, and the Native Californians withdrew. What happened on December 6, 1846 was that Andrés Pico's lancers, outnumbered roughly two to one, killed eighteen of Kearny's dragoons and wounded thirteen more, most of them speared in the back as their half-starved mules bolted. It is often called the worst American defeat of the war. The plaque calls both sides gallant and stops.

What the plaque says

San Pasqual Battlefield While marching to the conquest and occupation of California during the Mexican War, a detachment of 1st U.S. Dragoons, under the command of Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearny, was met on this site by native California lancers, under the command of Gen. Andres Pico. In this battle, fought on December 6, 1846, severe losses were incurred by the American forces. The native Californians withdrew after Kearny had rallied his men on the field. Gallant action on the part of both forces characterized the Battle of San Pasqual, one of the significant actions during the Mexican War of 1846-1848. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 533 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission, December 6, 1962.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Mule Hill — 5.1 mi
• Rancho Guajome — 18 mi
• Chapel of Santa Ysabel (Site of) — 18 mi
• Asistencia San Antonio de Pala — 20 mi