Unknown Artist; Part of a Collection of Mexican-American War Prints; Storming of Chapultepec in Mexico; September 13; 1847.General Bravo surrendering his sword to Lieutenant Brower; of the New York Regiment.; 1848; color lithograph on paper; 9 3/4 in. x 13 13/16 in. (24.77 cm x 35.08 cm); A strong desire to acquire northern Mexico led the United States to declare war on Mexico in May of 1846. On September 12th; 1847; American forces under the command of General Winfield Scott laid siege to the Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. General Scott and Santa Anna; the leader of the Mexican Army; understood the importance of the Castle in the battle for Mexico City. Standing atop a 200-foot hill; the Castle provided a great vantage point for both defending and attacking the capital city.