Located eight miles from Mexico City, San Angel was one of the major bases of American occupation.  The village was first occupied by American troops on August 20, 1847 after the battle of Contreras.  After the seizure of Mexico City it served as quarters for several American volunteer regiments.  By November 19, 1847, these included the 1st and 2nd Pennsylvania, 1st New York, 1st South Carolina, and 1st Massachusetts.  The bulk of these units remained there until May 30, 1848.

Private Jason D. L. Polhemus, a former ornamental sign painter serving with the 1st New York, made the original sketch for this lithograph.  Here, we see the main plaza (Plaza de San Jacinto) looking southwest, and the Massachusetts Regiment lined up in battle order with their frock-coated officers in front.