On this day 175 years ago, May 13, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico. I thank Judy Russell, author of the blog, The Legal Genealogist, for reminding us all of this anniversary, marking the beginning of a war that profoundly re-shaped the two nations who fought it. That included of course, a literal physical reshaping of the territories of these two nations, especially the then-Mexican province of Alta California, and its southern-most region, containing the then-small village of San Diego. In December of 1846, the San Diego region would be the setting for the Battle of San Pasqual, the bloodiest battle of the war. The war would last until 1848 and end with Alta California becoming a territory of the United States and, in 1850, the 31st  state in the USA. And one of that state’s first counties would be called San Diego.

Here’s a link to Russell’s post, which offers info about the records which researchers can plumb for more information about the war and the people who fought it. That’s history for you!

https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2021/05/13/proclaiming-the-war/