The Battle Of Sacramento Pass

In 1847 a small army of Missourians struggled toward the city of Chihuahua, Mexico, through deserts of blowing sand. There was little water. The horses died. The men suffered. They were Doniphan’s First Missouri Volunteers who filled the pages of history with their battles and played a major role in the Mexican War. When the Mexican War broke out, Governor Edwards called for Missouri volunteers to help other American forces take Sake Santa Fe. About 1,200 Missourians volunteered and marched with General Stephen Kearney. They captured Santa Fe without firing a shot. The Missourians then elected Colonel Alexander Doniphan their commander.

AOWM – February 28