January is time for a special event that commemorates a noted date in Montebello history.
The Montebello Historical Society is presenting a reenactment of the Battle of Rio San Gabriel. Spectators will enjoy watching reenactors uniformed as Californio and American soldiers take part in the struggle, which was part of the California campaign in the Mexican-American War.
Musket-firing demonstrations will fill the air with the scent of black powder, and cannon blasts are sure to startle those who have never heard these weapons firing. Children’s activities are planned, and beverages and food will be available for purchase.
The Battle of Rio San Gabriel was part of a strategy to retake Los Angeles from the Californios, the name given to Hispanic Californians, particularly those descended from Mexican and Spanish settlers who lived in the area before California became a state. The success of the battle secured Los Angeles and the rest of southern California.
The event takes place January 11, from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm. There will be two battle reenactments, one at 12.00 pm and the second at 3.00 pm. The event is open to the public without charge. The venue is the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Museum & Historic Site at 946 North Adobe Avenue in Montebello. Organizers of events like this may use flyer printing to create an informative handout about the battle, and include a map.
