On December 6, 1848, in the San Pasqual Valley, North of San Diego California, a contingent of United States Forces, both dragoons and civilian scouts lead by Brigadier General Stephen F. Kearny. were met by a mounted force of Californio Lancers, under Major Andres Pico. In the resulting battle, the lances wielded by the Californios proved to be an overwhelming advantage over the short swords and dampened gunpowder of the U.S. Forces.
Each year, the Battle of San Pasqual is commemorated by reenactors dressed in period costumes who present a living history lesson to the visiting public.