Los Angeles initially surrendered to the surprise invasion by United States forces. The small Mexican forces of Los Angeles fled at the approach of US troops, and August 13, 1846 the American flag was raised over the city. A garrison of fifty US Marines under Archibald Gillespie was left in control.
The initial surrender of Los Angeles to the surprise invasion by United States forces led to the retreat of the small Mexican army. As US troops approached, the city fell, and on August 13, 1846, the American flag was raised over the city. A detachment of fifty US Marines under Archibald Gillespie remained in charge.