May 8, 1846 · Northern Mexico Theater
May 8, 1846
The opening land battle of the Mexican-American War, fought on flat chaparral prairie near the Rio Grande. General Taylor's Army of Occupation met a larger Mexican force under Arista that had crossed the river. American artillery — particularly the 'flying artillery' batteries of Ringgold and Duncan — proved devastatingly effective against Mexican infantry formations, repeatedly breaking up charges before they could close.
Commanders