Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
TX
About Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto.
The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have developed strong bonds and friendly ties since the war ended in 1848, these neighbors continue to contend with the legacy of the war.
Things To Do
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Visit Resaca de la Palma Battlefield
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield features a half-mile circular trail with interpretive waysides. Head out to the observation deck on the resaca and experience why resacas make Brownsville, TX such a special place.
See Where it All Started - Rancho de Carricitos
Visit the site of the first official combat between of the U.S. - Mexican War. On April 24, 1846 Captain Seth Thornton and his 80 dragoons were ambushed by General Anastasio Torrejón and his 1,600 cavalry and infantry troops at Rancho de Carricitos. News of the skirmish was forwarded to President James K. Polk leading him to declare Mexico "has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon the American soil."
Visiting Fort Polk
When the U.S. army arrived in the Rio Grande delta in March 1846, General Taylor’s first stop was to establish a base that would allow him to receive reinforcements and materiel. He selected the Mexican settlement known as El Frontón de Santa Isabel.
Stand on the Grounds of General Zachary Taylor's Fort on the Rio Grande
Visit the site of the earthen fortification that became known as Fort Brown. While visiting this site you can see historical markers and even what is left of one of the fort’s bastions. The campus of UTRGV near the Mexican War era Fort Brown site is also home to several post-Mexican War buildings.
Self-guided Field Trips at Palo Alto Battlefield
Take your teaching to the next level and make Palo Alto Battlefield your classroom. Visiting the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War provides you and your students with an invaluable learning experience. Your visit will also address U.S.-Mexican War TEKS elements for 4th—8th grade. Take advantage of this opportunity.
Explore the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
Palo Alto Battlefield serves as a gateway to the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail. The trail provides users a healthy way to explore Brownsville, TX and some of its historic sites and attractions.
Available Activities
Weather
Summers are hot and humid. Tropical weather systems generally affect the area from August to October. Winters are usually mild but cold fronts can drop temperatures by up to 30 degrees in about an hour.
Getting There
The park is located on Brownsville's north side, near the city of Los Fresnos. It is just north of the intersection of FM 1847 (Paredes Line Rd.) and FM 511/FM 550.
Plan Your Visit
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Palo Alto Battlefield
Park grounds are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Visitor center hours of operation differ from park hours of operation and are dependent upon staffing. The visitor center may be closed when the grounds are open. Park trails close to new traffic at 4:30 pm. All gates are locked at 5 pm. All vehicles must clear the park by 5 pm.
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield Unit
The site officially closes at dusk and is closed on all federal holidays.
