In one of the most celebrated naval engagements of the war, USS Constitution encountered HMS Guerrière in the North Atlantic and reduced her to a floating wreck in under thirty minutes. British cannon shot was observed to bounce off Constitution's thick oak hull, earning the ship her legendary nickname 'Old Ironsides.' Guerrière was so badly damaged she could not be taken as a prize and was burned. The victory electrified the young American republic, which had feared that its small navy could not stand against the Royal Navy.
The victory shattered the myth of Royal Navy invincibility, boosted American morale enormously, and inspired a generation of naval officers. Constitution's survival in battle became a potent symbol of American resilience and the nickname 'Old Ironsides' passed into national legend.
Full battle details →
In the approach to Mexico City, American forces used the Pedregal — a massive lava field — to outflank Mexican defenses. Once again Lee conducted the key reconnaissance, finding a path through the Pedregal that allowed a flanking force under Persifer Smith to reach Valencia's rear. The assault lasted only seventeen minutes, routing Valencia's force and sending survivors fleeing toward Churubusco.
Contreras removed the final obstacle south of Mexico City and demonstrated again the decisive value of engineer reconnaissance. The rapid victory preserved American momentum and prevented Valencia from reinforcing the stronger Mexican positions at Churubusco. Winfield Scott famously praised Lee's work at Contreras as the greatest feat of arms of any officer in the campaign.
Full battle details →