Zachary Taylor

May 8, 1846 · 375 total casualties

Palo Alto demonstrated the superiority of American mobile artillery and established Taylor's reputation as a bold field commander. The victory secured the disputed territory north of the Rio Grande and opened the way for deeper operations into northeastern Mexico.

May 9, 1846 · 669 total casualties

The twin victories of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma secured the Rio Grande frontier, forced Mexico's Army of the North back across the river, and gave Taylor a strategic springboard for his subsequent invasion of northeastern Mexico. News of the victories electrified the American public and strengthened President Polk's war message to Congress.

September 21–24, 1846 · 898 total casualties

Monterrey was the most contested battle of Taylor's campaign and revealed the high cost of urban warfare. The armistice controversy exposed growing tension between Taylor and the Polk administration. The city's capture gave the U.S. control of northeastern Mexico and elevated Taylor to national hero status, launching his political career.

February 22–23, 1847 · 2,546 total casualties

Buena Vista was the climax of Taylor's northern campaign and the last major battle he would fight in Mexico. The defense of the pass against overwhelming odds made Taylor a national legend and the inevitable Whig candidate for president in 1848. Jefferson Davis's performance with the Mississippi Rifles launched his political career. The battle effectively ended the war in northern Mexico.