Video: 'Mexican American War - 1of6' (Apr. 25, 1846, at 1:51/8:48)

(Saturday, April 25, 1846; during the Mexican-American War) — The Mexican-American War began today when more than 1,000-strong Mexican cavalry detachment attacked a 63-man U.S. patrol under the command of Captain Seth Thornton, which had been sent into the contested territory north of the Rio Grande and south of the Nueces River.

In the Thornton Affair, the Mexican cavalry routed the patrol, killing 11 American soldiers.

Video: 'Mexican American War - 2of6'

Video: 'U S History Thornton Affair Mr. Ramaker'