Mexico City 

National Cemetery

American Battle Monuments Commission

For more information on this site and other 

ABMC commemorative sites, please visit 

www.abmc.gov

American Battle Monuments Commission

2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22201 USA

Mexico City National Cemetery

Virginia Fabregas No. 31

Col. San Rafael C.P. 06470, Mexico, D.F.

tel 001-52-55-5546-0054 

email mexicocitycemetery@abmc.gov

gps N19 26.5217 W99 9.970

ABMC Overseas Operations Office

68, rue du 19 Janvier

92380 Garches, France

tel +33.(0).1.47.01.19.76 

Mexico City National Cemetery

The cemetery was established in 1851 as burial space for 

Americans who died in and near Mexico City during the 

Mexican American War. It also holds the remains of veterans 

and families, plus members of the U.S. Diplomatic Service. 

Congress closed the cemetery in 1924. It came under ABMC’s 

care in 1947.

American Battle Monuments Commission

This agency of the United States government operates 

and maintains 25 American cemeteries and 26 memorials, 

monuments and markers in 16 countries. The Commission 

works to fulfill the vision of its first chairman, General of 

the Armies John J. Pershing. Pershing, commander of the 

American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, promised 

that “time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”

key: Military Cemetery

Lt. Bezaleel Armstrong served in the 

2d Dragoons at Vera Cruz and 

Mexico City, 1847-48.

Photo: The National Archives

Neighbors in Contention

During the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, U.S. forces 

entered Mexican territory multiple times. The campaigns 

included landings on the eastern coast of Mexico and advance 

into Mexico City.

The Mexican Expedition of 1916, commanded by Brig.Gen. John 

J. Pershing, was much smaller in use of force, geographic scope, 

and duration.

MA

ER

CI AN BATTLE MONUMENTS COM

M SI S OI N

UNITED STATES

OF AMERICA
neighbors in contention

the mexican expedition

The USA’s westward expansion in the early 19th Century created 

contention over territories claimed by Mexico. When Texas 

became a state in December 1845, Mexico severed diplomatic 

relations. President James K. Polk ordered Gen. Zachary Taylor’s 

forces into the area near the mouth of the Rio Grande.

May 8, 1846: General Taylor’s command attacked Mexican units 

near Palo Alto. The Mexicans withdrew.

September 21-23: General Taylor’s force seized Monterrey.

December 12: Col. Stephen W. Kearney’s troops reached San Diego. 

February 22-23, 1847: Mexican President Santa Anna attacked 

Taylor’s command near Buena Vista. The Americans prevailed.

March 9-27: Gen. Winfield Scott commanded the landing and 

siege at Vera Cruz. 

April 8-September 8: Scott advanced slowly toward Mexico City.

September 12-13: Scott’s command reached the Chapultepec 

citadel. Mexican units withdrew. However, six cadets of the 

military academy stayed and fought to the end. The Los Niños 

Heroes have been honored throughout Mexican history.

September 14: Mexican authorities surrendered. Scott’s forces 

entered Mexico City.

February 2, 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war. 

March 9, 1916: Mexican bandit Francisco (“Pancho”) Villa 

and his followers raided Columbus, New Mexico. President 

Woodrow Wilson immediately ordered a punitive expedition 

formed under Brig.Gen. John J. Pershing.

Mid-March: The expedition entered Mexico. Numerous clashes 

followed. Villa was never caught.

February 7, 1917: U.S. troops withdrew from Mexico.

The expedition did not achieve its purpose. However, it resulted 

in U.S. forces being better prepared to mobilize and fight in the 

war in Europe. 

Cemetery Fountain

The sights and sounds 

of the pool and fountain 

in the northwest corner 

enhance the visitor’s 

experience.

Vault Detail

George Heyser of the 

Pennsylvania Regiment 

is one of eight veterans 

of the Mexican War 

interred here. His vault 

is on the West wall, 

Square 2, Line 2, Row 9. 

Walls of 

Burial Vaults

The cemetery area was 

halved in 1976. The 

interred remains—

and their original 

headstones—were disinterred and placed in 

vaults on the east and west walls.

Useful 

Information

From the entrance on the Calle Virginia Fabregas, the expanse of 

the cemetery is easily viewed. Its tranquility is appreciated amid the 

hustle of the busy city around it.

Layout

Monument and Flags

The monument marks 

the common grave of 750

unknown American soldiers 

killed during 1847 fighting. 

Their remains were recovered 

from battlefield graves in and 

around Mexico City. 

Monument Inscription

The monument’s inscription 

reads: to the honored memory 

of 750 americans known but 

to god whose bones collected 

by their country’s order are 

here buried.

Entrance

The gates on Calle Virginia 

Fabregas include an entrance 

on the right that enhances 

accessibility for visitors who 

may have difficulty using the 

steps on the left. 

Visitor Room

The visitor room is on the 

immediate right from the 

entrance. Here you can meet 

our staff, get your questions 

answered, and sign the 

guest register.

Vault Location

wall: 

square: 

line: 

row: 

Photo: The National Archives

Brig.Gen. John J. Pershing and staff ford a 

stream near El Valle, August 1916.

dimensions: 1 acre

unknowns from the mexican war: 750

interred in the vaults: 813

wars represented: Mexican War, Civil War, 

Indian Campaigns, and Spanish-American War 

dedicated: June 26, 1851