Mexican-American War (1846-1848): The U.S.-Mexican War Soldier Database

Barbara A. Ware

The National Park Service (NPS) website to the Palo Alto Battlefield reveals links to the U.S.–Mexican War. The National Historic Park is located in Brownsville, Texas. Check the website for information about its operating times and procedures. Currently during this time of COVID, there is a park access visitor contact station, but the visitor center is closed. The website includes history of the battlefield, the war and those involved with the conflict. Click on the History & Culture link on the website for more information.

The website also provides the U.S.–Mexican War Soldier Database featuring soldiers and sailors on both side of the war. There are 89,000+ U.S. soldier/sailors and 717 Mexican soldiers/sailors. The database is searchable by name, country, province or kingdom of birth, state of birth, side (U.S or Mexico). You won’t find any soldier or sailor who is identified as being born in Texas. However, the U.S. Volunteer units were organized from many states, including those living in Texas. The future U.S. President, General Zachary Taylor, is on the list. And so is the Mexican General Mariano Arista. This isn’t a complete list. NPS is seeking additional documents in order to add to the database.

Search for a name, you will see a brief summary, such as rank, country (province or kingdom) of birth, state of birth, city of birth, regiment and company. Click on the name and retrieve additional information, e.g. type (soldier, sailor), side (U.S. or Mexican), enlistment type (enlisted, volunteer); age; eye and hair color; complexion; height; occupation (soldier, sailor); year, date, state, and city of enlistment, enlisted by whom; term of enlistment; arm of service (e.g. infantry); date of muster; date of discharge; general remarks; died, deserted, apprehended.

Let us know if you have a relative who fought in the U.S.–Mexican War and on what side he fought. An interesting study could be made of the 20 soldiers born in the U.S. who fought on the Mexican side according to this database. The Federation of Genealogical Societies is a partner in the creation of the database.

More resources for the U.S.–Mexican War can be found on “A Continent Divided: The U.S.–Mexican War” on the University of Texas at Arlington website which includes documents, biographies, letters, images, and maps.

Image credits: “From a sketch taken on the spot by Major Eaton, aide-de-camp to General Taylor. Lith Pub & Printer, H. R. Robinson. View of the Battleground and Battle of The Angostura fought near Buena Vista, Mexico, 23 Feb 1847.” From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Buena_Vista#/media/File:Battle-of-Buena-Vista-Robinson.jpeg. License: public domain.