Montebello is set to relive its history in a reenactment set for January.
In January 1847, in the middle of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the Pueblo de Los Angeles was in the hands of the Californios under the command of General José María Flores. The city had changed hands when Flores defeated Captain Archibald Gillespie, who had been left in charge by Commodore Robert F. Stockton. Stockton was determined to recapture the pueblo.
American scouts discovered Mexican troops at a ford of the San Gabriel River in an area that is now part of Pico Rivera, Whittier, and Montebello. Stockton and General Stephen W. Kearny planned the attack, forming their troops into a square. Flores launched a failed attack, and US troops hauled cannon across the river. Kearny led the assault while Stockton remained with the heavy guns. Finally, the entire square charged, forcing Flores to withdraw. The US retook Los Angeles a few days later.
This pivotal battle is recreated at the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum & Historic Site every January. During this event, reenactors will wear the uniforms of Americans and Californios and will be firing muskets using black powder. Canon will be fired as well. Children’s activities are planned, and beverages and food will be available for purchase.
The battle reenactment is scheduled for January 10 from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm at the museum, 946 North Adobe Avenue in Montebello. Support for events like this can take the form of advertisements created by organizers using poster printing.
