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General Zachary Taylor's outnumbered American force repelled Santa Anna's 15,000
1847 Event

February 23

Taylor Wins at Buena Vista: Outnumbered Americans Prevail

General Zachary Taylor's outnumbered American force repelled Santa Anna's 15,000-strong Mexican army at Buena Vista, securing control of northern Mexico and effectively ending the war's major land campaign. The dramatic underdog victory made Taylor a national hero and propelled him directly to the presidency, a pattern of military fame translating into political power that defined nineteenth-century American politics.

February 23, 1847

179 years ago

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