Ready to explore a place where history and beautiful views come together? We are standing at Battle Mountain. This peak has a colorful past in Rancho Bernardo.
Battle Mountain rises to 803 feet. It offers a short but rewarding trail. You can find the trailhead on Reata Way. The Battle Mountain Open Space Park protects it. The City of San Diego manages the park.
Have you ever driven the 15 freeway at night? If so, you might have noticed Battle Mountain’s giant white cross. Lights shine on it after dark.
Battle Mountain got its name from a battle. It took place nearby in the 1800s during the Mexican-American War. Specifically, the Battle of San Pasqual in 1846. General Stephen W. Kearny’s US Army fought against Californios led by Major Andrés Pico. The battle ended without a clear victor. Both sides claimed victory.
Originally, people called Battle Mountain Mule Hill. But there is also another Mule Hill a little to the north. That Mule Hill is where Kearny’s men ate mules to survive. Battle Mountain is theorized to be the site of indigenous tribal warfare. Local tribes and Yuma tribes fought here. This makes the area full of rich history.
A dragoon patrol, led by Lieutenant Thomas C. Hammond, scouted the area. Rafael Machado, son of Don José Manuel Machado, guided them. They were reconnoitering Capt. Andres Pico’s force.
The Californios knew Kearny’s forces were coming. A Native American informed them of their presence. So, Kearny lost the element of surprise.
The soldiers were eager to fight. It had been over six months since any action. As they descended into San Pasqual, they were caught in a tough spot. General Pico’s men advanced quickly.
The American forces were separated. Damp powder made their carbines useless. The Californios had long lances and reatas. They used them effectively. Captain Abraham R. Johnston was killed. Captain Benjamin D. Moore also died.
Gillespie arrived with artillery. But the Californios captured one of the howitzers. Midshipman Duncan fired canister shot from another howitzer. This drove the Californios from the field.
The Americans fortified a camp on a low hill. They buried their dead outside the camp. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is near this site.
After the battle, six messengers were sent for reinforcements. They needed to reach Commodore Stockton. Among them were Kit Carson and Edward Beale.
Stockton sent over 200 sailors and marines. They escorted Kearny’s troops to San Diego. Nurse Juanita Machado Alipas de Wrightington treated the wounded. She was known as the Florence Nightingale of San Diego.
You will have a pretty good view from the top of Battle Mountain. You can see the San Pasqual Valley area. You can also see westward to Lake Hodges. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. Battle Mountain is more than just a hill. It is a landmark with stories etched into its very soil.