US Naval Native American Cavalry at Cahuenga - January 13, 1847

Join us as Al Knight presents the story of the California Battalion and the Native Americans who served during the Mexican-American War.
About this Event

This engaging presentation describes the important contribution made by Native Americans during the conquest of California, during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. The “Naval Battalion of Mounted Volunteer Riflemen,” or California Battalion, was one of the most remarkably diverse American military formations in the history of the “Wild West.” The Battalion was commanded by Major John C. Fremont. At full strength in November 1846, the Battalion consisted of over 400 soldiers with about 60 Native Americans, from a half-dozen different tribes. The California Battalion as a whole never fought a battle, but a large detachment fought at the Battle of Natividad, where the Delaware and Walla Walla warriors distinguished themselves. The Battalion played an important role in the march south from San Juan Bautista. Their journey ended on January 13, 1847, at Campo de Cahuenga in the San Fernando Valley, where they accepted the capitulation of the last Mexican troops fighting in what is now the United States, effectively ending the conflict in California.

Join us to learn about these remarkable individuals and their lasting place in California's history.