Vernon in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

La Mesa Battlefield

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. La Mesa Battlefield Marker

Inscription.
During the United States occupation of California during the Mexican-American War, La Mesa served as a campsite for the Californio forces under General Castro in the summer of 1846. The last military encounter on the California front was fought here on January 9, 1847. Also known as the Battle of Los Angeles.

Erected 2018 by California Dept of Parks and Rec, City of Vernon, and Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 167.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 9, 1847.

Location. 34° 0.298′ N, 118° 13.836′ W. Marker is in Vernon, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Vernon Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Located at Vernon City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4305 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles CA 90058, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater

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Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Battle of La Mesa (a few steps from this marker); Santa Fe 3751 (approx. one mile away); Ralph Bunche Home (approx. 1.4 miles away); Augustus F. Hawkins (approx. 1.4 miles away); Sears Mail Order Building (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Los Angeles Sentinel (approx. 1½ miles away); Vernon Branch Library (approx. 1½ miles away); Golden State Mutual (approx. 1½ miles away).

Also see . . . California Historical Landmarks. Information and photos of the original marker site. (Submitted on August 10, 2018, by Jeremy Brooks of Buena Park, California.)

Photographed by Jeremy Brooks, August 8, 2018

2. La Mesa Battlefield Marker

Photographed by Jeremy Brooks, August 8, 2018

3. La Mesa Battlefield Marker

Nearby Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, August 19, 2018

4. Nearby Markers

Original Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Original Marker

6. Original Marker

It was located by the railroad tracks near 4490 Exchange Ave, Vernon.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2018, by Jeremy Brooks of Buena Park, California. This page has been viewed 1,277 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2018, by Jeremy Brooks of Buena Park, California. 4. submitted on August 28, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on August 11, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.