Siege of Veracruz

March 9–29, 1847 · Central Mexico Theater

Phases

1. 1Phase 1 — Amphibious LandingMarch 9, 1847 — Dawn to Midday
2. 2Phase 2 — Siege Lines & BombardmentMarch 10–24, 1847
3. 3Phase 3 — SurrenderMarch 25–29, 1847

March 9, 1847 — Dawn to Midday

General Winfield Scott lands roughly 10,000 troops on the beaches south of Veracruz in the first large-scale amphibious assault in US history. Specially built surfboats ferry soldiers ashore in waves while the US Navy provides covering fire offshore. US columns begin encircling the city from the south and west, cutting the road to Mexico City.

• ➤US amphibious landing — troops come ashore south of the city
• ➤US encirclement — southern column swings west around the city
• ●Landing Beach — Collado Beach, south of Veracruz
• ●Mexican garrison — Veracruz city walls and harbor fortifications
• ●US Navy squadron — offshore bombardment position