The Battle of Palo Alto was a decisive victory for the American troops in the Mexican-American War. This was the first of two victories to break the siege on Fort Texas and after the second American victory at Resaca de la Palma, the Mexican troops would never fully recover for the length of the war.
The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site preserves the battle site undeveloped, as a plain of cordgrass, razor sharp, broken up only by thickets of mesquite and cactus. It’s an inhospitable place and must have been that much worse for the soldiers, both advancing and retreating. The visitor center has videos that document the conflict, as well as exhibits, and the field itself can be seen entire from an overlook, accessible through a short trail.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site lies at the northeast corner of the intersection of FM 1847 (Paredes Line Road) and FM 511, approximately five miles north of downtown Brownsville, TX. From Rt. 77/83, take the FM 511 exit and drive east approximately two miles to reach FM 1847. The park visitor center is located on the east side of 1847, 1,000 feet north of the intersection.
Climate
Brownsville is located at the semi-tropical, southern-most tip of Texas. Summertime weather is generally hot and humid making lightweight cotton clothing advisable. Winter weather is generally mild, but visitors should prepare for cool mornings that can quickly give way to hot afternoons.
The park visitor center offers an orientation video and exhibits on the battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Visitors may also browse a book sales area of some 100 titles and obtain pamphlets about the park and related sites.
Trails & Roads
The Park offers a half-mile trail (1 mile round-trip) to an overlook of the battlefield, where visitor will find interpretive panels. Those who cannot walk this distance may use an accessible road which will allow them to enter the trail at a point closer to the overlook.
Programs/Activities
The park offers a 15-minute video program entitled "War on the Rio Grande" at its interim visitor facility. This historical overview is available in English and Spanish. Other park activities occur on an irregular basis, primarily in the winter months.
Nearby Attractions
Brownsville Texas is situated 20 miles from Gulf of Mexico and the South Padre Island tourist area. Brownsville also borders Mexico and the Mexican city of Matamoros. Nearby area of historical interest include: the Historic Brownsville Museum and the Stillman House Museum in Brownsville, and the Museo Casa Mata in Matamoros, and the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site in Port Isabel. Other offerings in the city include the Brownsville Art League Museum and the Gladys Porter Zoo. Nearby areas for wildlife and bird watching include the Sabal Palm Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Brownsville, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, and the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Rio Hondo.
A number of historical markers are in place for sites related to the U.S.-Mexican War. A series of monuments recognizing the battle of Palo Alto have been positioned at the intersection of FM1847 and FM 511 near the battlefield. The site of the battle of Resaca de la Palma, on Paredes Line road (between Price Rd. and FM 802) in Brownsville has also bears several plaques. A marker for Rancho Carricitos, the skirmish that began the war, may be found on Highway 281, approximately 25 miles west of Brownsville. Perhaps most notably, the remains of Fort Texas, the 1846 U.S. outpost on the Rio Grande, are located on the bank of the river near the University of Texas at Brownsville.
Other Attractions
Santa Ana/ Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 55 miles
Cameron County, Texas Parks System, 30 miles
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 25 miles
