The Treaty of Cahuenga (Spanish: Tratado de Cahuenga), also called the Capitulation of Cahuenga (Capitulación de Cahuenga), was an 1847 agreement that ended the Conquest of California, resulting in a ceasefire between Californios and Americans. The treaty was signed at the Campo de Cahuenga on 13 January 1847, ending the fighting of the Mexican-American War within Alta California (modern-day California). The treaty was drafted in both English and Spanish by José Antonio Carrillo and signed by John C. Frémont, representing the American forces, and Andrés Pico, representing the Mexican forces.
The treaty called for the Californios to give up their artillery, and provided that all prisoners from both sides be immediately freed. Those Californios who promised not to again take up arms during the war, and to obey the laws and regulations of the United States, were allowed to peaceably return to their homes and ranchos. They were to be allowed the same rights and privileges as were allowed to citizens of the United States, and were not to be compelled to take an oath of allegiance until a treaty of peace was signed between the United States and Mexico, and were given the privilege of leaving the country if they wished to do so.
Under the later Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico formally ceded Alta California and other territories to the United States, and the disputed border of Texas was fixed at the Rio Grande. Pico, like nearly all the Californios, became an American citizen with full legal and voting rights. Pico later became a State Assemblyman and then a State Senator representing Los Angeles in the California State Legislature.
1847Jan, 13
The Treaty of Cahuenga ends the Mexican-American War in California.
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Events on 1847
- 22Feb
Battle of Buena Vista
Mexican-American War: The Battle of Buena Vista: Five thousand American troops defeat 15,000 Mexicans troops. - 23Feb
Battle of Buena Vista
Mexican-American War: Battle of Buena Vista: In Mexico, American troops under future president General Zachary Taylor defeat Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna. - 9Mar
Siege of Veracruz
Mexican-American War: The first large-scale amphibious assault in U.S. history is launched in the Siege of Veracruz. - 12Sep
Battle of Chapultepec
Mexican-American War: the Battle of Chapultepec begins. - 13Sep
Battle of Chapultepec
Mexican-American War: Six teenage military cadets known as Niños Héroes die defending Chapultepec Castle in the Battle of Chapultepec. American troops under General Winfield Scott capture Mexico City in the Mexican-American War.