Cerro Gordo [key], mountain pass, E Mexico, on the road between Veracruz and Xalapa, site of a decisive battle (Apr. 17–18, 1847) of the Mexican War. General Santa Anna, having established himself firmly at and behind the pass, attempted to halt the advance of Gen. Winfield Scott from Veracruz to Mexico City. Although the Mexicans thought their position impregnable, the Americans were able to rout the weak left flank and take the pass from the rear. Santa Anna was defeated, and Xalapa occupied. Capt. Robert E. Lee (who scouted out a route for the flanking movement) and Lt. U. S. Grant took part in the battle.
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