On April 18, 1847, near a mountain called Cerro Gordo, or El Telégrafo, the Americans engaged in battle with Santa Anna's troops, who had erected defenses overlooking the Rio del Plan and the road to Jalapa, 12 miles distant. Despite the fact that they had to fight their way to the top of the heights commanded by the Mexican army, with lethal firepower being rained down upon them, the troops under Scott prevailed. In the end, the Mexican army retreated in such haste that in addition to weapons and other baggage, the Americans captured numerous personal items belonging to Santa Anna, including his spare wooden leg.

The following day, Scott's army occupied Jalapa without firing a shot. Sending General Worth's division ahead of the rest of the army, the Americans also took over Perote, about thirty miles from Jalapa.

DMWV Reference: Mexican War Page