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| Landmark #533 | San Diego County | Visited: June 29, 2012 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: While marching to the conquest and occupation of California during the Mexican War, a detachment of 1st U.S. Dragoons under the command of Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny was met on this site by native California lancers under the command of General Andrés Pico. In this battle, fought on December 6, 1846, severe losses were incurred by the American forces. The native Californians withdrew after Kearny had rallied his men on the field. Gallant action on the part of both forces characterized the Battle of San Pasqual, one of the significant actions during the Mexican War of 1846-1848.
OTHER TIDBITS: This was a battle of circumstance, because the exhausted American troops, having just crossed the deserts of eastern California, had no more stamina to fight! The Californio troops were on their way south to San Diego but got caught in a heavy rainstorm, which led them to take shelter at Pueblo San Pasqual! A misunderstood order from General Kearny led to the American troops attacking with wet, useless gunpowder, with a casualty ratio of 21:1! This led to the showdown at Mule Hill! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park State Hwy 78 (P.M. 25.1) at Old Pasqual Rd 7 mi SE of Escondido, CA 92027 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~113mi (182km) — 1.9hrs |
| When should I go? | The park is open Saturday and Sunday only from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM November through March, and until 5:00 PM April through October! |
