After capturing the Mexican city of Vera Cruz following a bombardment, amphibious assault, and siege, General Winfield Scott began to advance toward Mexico City, engaging troops led by Antonio López de Santa Anna at Cerro Gordo near Xalapa. William S. Harney fought with distinction and was brevetted to brigadier general.

Lithographer Nathaniel Currier learned the printing trade as an apprentice at the Boston firm of William and John Pendleton, the first successful lithography firm in the United States. Currier moved to New York City with John Pendleton in the early 1830s and soon established his own firm there. Currier found success producing images of current events and making them available quickly and inexpensively. James Merritt Ives joined the firm in 1852 and became a partner in 1857.