This location is believed to be the exact site of the last battle between American and Mexican forces for the control of both Los Angeles and Southern California during the Mexican War (1846-1848). The battle took place on January 9, 1847. The site was also where the Mexicans were encamped. The two primary military commanders who participated in the battle were Navy Commodore Robert Stockton and Mexican officer and Governor of Alta California, Jose Maria Flores.
*There are in fact two markers in Vernon stating to be the site where the battle was fought. This location is for the bigger and newer monument in Vernon. The other is small and near railroad tracks close by to this location. It is believed that the latter marker is really the spot where Mexican forces were camped before the battle. The address for the second marker is at 4490 Exchange Ave and Downey Rd.*The Battle of La Mesa of the Mexican War occurred on 9 January 1847, in present-day Vernon on, the day after the Battle of San Gabriel during the California Campaign.Not finding any Californians at Pio Pico's ranch after their victory at the Battle of San Gabriel, the Americans crossed the plain between the San Gabriel River and the Los Angeles River called La Mesa. They encountered Jose Maria's 300-strong force of loyalist Californio militia, including artillery, near where the city of Vernon now stands, about 4 miles south of Los Angeles.The Californian guns were ineffective, while the American guns responded from their square as the Americans advanced. Flores extended his line and brought up two more guns. Stockton halted and formed his guns into a single battery. After fifteen minutes, Stockton's fire drove the Californian artillery from effective range. Flores sent his lancers against the American left flank but were driven back and most deserted, allowing the Americans to advance into Los Angeles.The battle was the last armed resistance to the American advance in California, and General Flores returned to Mexico. The conquest and annexation of Alta California (Upper California) was settled with the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga by US Army Colonel John C. Fremont and Californio General Andres Pico on January 13, 1847.