January 13: The Treaty of Cahuenga ended the war between Mexico and the United States, in California, January 13, 1847.

Campo de Cahuenga, scene of the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga, January 13, 1847

The Mexican-American War was an armed conflict between the United States and Mexico, from 1846 to1848, which occurred as a result of the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845. Mexicans believed that they owned Texas, despite the Texas Revolution in 1836 in favor of American settlers.

The Treaty of Cahuenga also known as "The Capitulation of Cahuenga" was the result of continued US invasions of Mexican territory. Throughout the conflict, Mexico had to cede 55% of its territory to the United States when the war ends, and loses the Alta California, as well.

A modern community recreation building, which honors the memory of General John C. Fremont and General Andres Pico, and the Treaty of Cahuenga, signed here January 13, 1847.

The Americans were filled with patriotic pride and believed that this was their "manifest destiny" by the grace of God. That belief was that the territory of the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The followers of this ideology considered it obvious or manifest not only successful but also by fate.


The Treaty of Cahuenga was not a formal treaty law but a commitment to the "Californians" to end the war by accountability.