Battle of Contreras

Battle of Contreras, engagement during the Mexican War, occurring August 19-20, 1847, near the villages of Contreras and Padierna, southwest of Mexico City. The battle was fought between a U.S. force of 4500 men under General Winfield Scott, on the march from Puebla to Mexico City, and a Mexican force of 7000 men comprising the right wing of the army of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The Mexican troops occupied and fortified a strong position on high ground and blocked the road to Mexico City. For a time they fought with great tenacity, but, attacked from both the front and the rear at daylight on August 20, they finally fled in confusion. Mexican losses were about 1500 killed, wounded, and captured. The American loss in killed and wounded was reported at 60.