April 17–18, 1847 · Central Mexico Theater
April 17–18, 1847
Santa Anna positioned a large army in the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo along the National Highway, believing the position impregnable. Captain Robert E. Lee, conducting reconnaissance through seemingly impassable terrain, discovered a flanking route that allowed American forces to outflank the Mexican position entirely. The flanking column cut off the Mexican line of retreat and the position collapsed in a rout, nearly capturing Santa Anna himself.
Commanders