Battle of Celaya (1858)

The Battle of Celaya took place on the 8th and 9 March, 1858, in Celaya (in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico). It was a battle of the Reform War. Fought between elements of the liberal army, under General Anastasio Parrodi, and elements of the conservative army, commanded by General Luis G. Osollo, the victory corresponded to the conservative side, and was the first liberal defeat. In the face of this defeat, the liberal General Parrodi retired to Salamanca, where the next battle was fought.

The liberal defeat was caused by two main aspects. First, liberal General Moret did not hold the force of cavalry that he commanded: The general and other leaders of the liberal coalition forces had little communication. A fire in a carriage park of liberal soldiers also contributed to the defeat of the combined forces.