"SANTA ANNA'S RETREAT FROM BUENA VISTA"
by Stephen Foster

When he died penniless in 1864, Stephen Foster left behind a legacy of 200 songs and one march: "Santa Anna's Retreat From Buena Vista." The Battle of Buena Vista was a land battle of the Mexican-American War fought in 1847 near Monterrey in Mexico. The fighting was hard and at the end of the second day seemed a drawn battle. But on the night of February 23rd the Mexican army led by General Santa Ana withdrew, leaving General Zachary Taylor in control of the north of Mexico. General Taylor's victory at this battle won him national fame, which contributed greatly to his election as president in 1848. "Santa Anna's Retreat From Buena Vista" was written that very year. At the end of the war a large expanse of Mexico's territory was ceded to the United States, including a large area between the Grand Canyon and Gila River that would become Arizona Territory in 1863.

recorded 12/12/2009 at First Presbyterian Church, Mesa AZ, by Jack Miller Productions, Jack Miller and Alexis Santos, engineers. Larry Baedke/Bb cornet, Bruce/Eb cornet, Walt Moffat/flugel horn, Jeanette Tippetts and Helen Eshleman/Eb altos, Larry Versteeg/valve trombone, Don Larry/euphonium, Paul Green/tuba, Kevin Kilzer, percussion, Ellen McGown/flute. Arranged for Territorial Brass by Larry Versteeg.

Band Photo on previous page: Yuma Concert Band, 1908