Battle For Mexico City

The Battle for Mexico City refers to the series of engagements from September 8 to September 15, 1847, in the general vicinity of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.

Included are major actions at the battles of Molino del Rey and Chapultepec, culminating with the fall of Mexico City.

The major objective of U.S. operations in central Mexico had been the capture of Mexico City. After capturing the port of Veracruz in March, Winfield Scott was able to secure a base and move inland and defeat a large Mexican force at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. After routing the Mexicans at the Battle of Churubusco, Scott's army was only 5 miles (8 km) away from its objective of Mexico City.

Although defeated at Cerro Gordo and Churubusco, Santa Anna's army remained intact and outnumbered Scott.

On September 8, the fight for Mexico City began. Scott believed that a cannon foundry was located at the Molino del Rey, the King's Mill, located just over 2 miles (3 km) outside the city. Scott sent the 1st Division under William J. Worth to seize and destroy the foundry. Worth wished to include Chapultepec Castle in his attack, and when Scott refused, a bitter rivalry began between Scott and Worth. In the ensuing battle, both sides suffered heavy casualties, and Worth drove the Mexicans from the mill, separating them from the forces at Chapultepec. The battle produced no significant military gains for the U.S.