Reliving History

The Siege of Los Angeles
Major John C. Frémont and his California Battalion had finally arrived outside the capital of California on a warm afternoon of August 13, 1846. It was here that he met and combined his forces with that of Commodore Robert F. Stockton who had arrived from San Pedro earlier that day. This army began a march into El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula. Frémont and Stockton rode in front, followed by a brass band, infantry, cavalry, sailors, marines and assorted carts, artillery and stock. The band began to play as they entered the town and I image the citizens looked on with awe, anxiousness and confusion. Their destination was the main plaza. Once there the band played “Hail, Colombia” as the flag of the United States was raised. Thus began the Occupation of Los Angeles without a shot fired.