In 1503, Ahuitzotl, the eighth Tlatoani, connected a nearby spring to the Mexico-Tenochtitlan water supply.
In August 1847, he was made a brevet lieutenant colonel during the Mexican-American War for gallant and meritorious conduct during the battles of Contreras and Churubusco.
Following their defeats at Contreras and San Antonio, the Mexicans fell back to the village of Churubusco.
He was appointed major of the 8th infantry, 16 February 1847, and served in the Mexican-American War, receiving the brevets of lieutenant colonel, 20 August 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct at Contreras and Churubusco, and colonel, 8 September 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct at Molino del Rey, where he was severely wounded.
He became captain in 1846, and received the brevet of major and lieutenant colonel for gallant and meritorious service at Contreras, Churubusco, and Molino del Rey.
When Benton was 18 years old, he enlisted as a private in the Mexican War, and fought with gallantry in the mounted infantry at Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec and Mexico City.