Throughout time, armies and factions have taken war trophies of varying degrees after emerging victorious. In todayโs world, of course, this action is generally frowned upon. Particularly so when it comes to the remains of another human being. Even when prosthetic, these actions arenโt viewed as acceptable in todayโs terms, but during the Mexican-American Warโฆ well, it was a different time. Such is the case of Santa Annaโs leg, a body part he would lose not once but twice for the same reason: a good meal.
Read next: The Battle of San Jacinto Helped Shape America
Addressing Rumors About the Santa Anna Leg
Did Santa Anna have a wooden leg? Yes, the General Santa Anna leg that’s now a war trophy was wooden. Well, technically, wooden and cork. His previous defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto wasnโt exactly a high point in his career, so when another fight presented itself against the French, he took the opportunity.
How Did Santa Anna Lose His Leg?
The conflict with the French would prove victorious for General Santa Anna and his men. Thatโs the good news. The bad news, however, is that the battle would also cause Santa Annaโs leg to be blown off by a cannon.
There are many different ways to lose a leg, and getting it blown off by a cannon certainly is certainly not great. Itโs also far from the โbestโ way to suffer such an injury. Despite his personal loss, in many ways, he won the battle but also lost the war.
These events would set the stage for some of the more unique and remarkable events to play out during the Mexican-American War. If youโve ever been late or done something foolish due to a good meal, youโll be able to relate to how food caused Santa Anna to lose his leg (twice).
Why Does Illinois Have Santa Annaโs Leg?
The original conflict, known as the Pastry War after a French pastry chef claimed Mexican troops looted his shop just outside of Mexico City, would cause Mexicans and the French to clash, costing the leg of Santa Anna. This created a need for a prosthetic that would serve him well… until the Battle of Cerro Gordo.
It was here that the 4th Regiment Illinois Volunteers would sneak up on Santa Anna and take his leg thanks to a delicious distraction.
Roasted Chicken, the Juiciest Secret Weapon in U.S. History
American troops descended upon Veracruz, Mexico, during the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Among them was the 4th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. General Santa Anna, who appears to have a bit of a habit of being distracted while leading an army, would say goodbye to his leg once again on this day.
While history may or may not showcase the generalโs affinity for being distracted by women, this time, it would be a roasted chicken that would catch his eye.
During a meal of roasted chicken with his men, General Santa Anna was forced to flee. In haste, heโd have to abandon his prosthetic leg, which would end up in the hands of American Forces.
Not only did the volunteers from Illinois emerge victorious with the leg, but they also ate the very chicken dinner General Santa Anna was trying to enjoy.
Where Is Santa Annaโs Leg?
Today, you can find the Santa Anna leg at the Illinois State Military Museum. This continues to the delight of fictional war hero Cotton Hill and the dismay of the Mexican government.
Illinois won’t return Santa Ana’s wooden leg to Mexico, and despite campaigns to bring the leg to the San Jacinto Museum, the Prairie State refuses to do this, as well.
Regardless of how you feel about the Santa Anna leg/war trophy, it remains an interesting piece of both American and Mexican history. Maybe one day the leg will return south of the Rio Grande, but for now, it serves as a conversation piece and educational talking point about an important conflict between two neighboring governments.
Suggested read: The True Military History Behind the Yellow Rose of Texas
Image: Lane Christiansen / Chicago Tribune