Replica U. S. cannons situated along the Palo Alto walking trail near the battleground.
Photo by David and Kay Scott
The ensuing five-hour battle was won decisively by US forces that possessed superior cannons that shot explosive shells rather than solid balls used in the Mexican cannons. Retreating Mexican soldiers reassembled in a thicket several miles south at Resaca de la Palma for another stand that proved futile due to the American firepower.
These were the first two battles of a war that would conclude two years later when US forces took control of Mexico City in September 1847.
In addition to an introductory film and exhibits, the park visitor center has books for sale and provides visitors with a brochure that includes an overview of the conflict plus a map of the park. A free trail guide is available for those who wish to explore the battlefield along a half-mile trail leading to a battlefield overlook.
A connecting trail of several hundred yards along Mexican Line is bordered with Mexican flags and interpretive signs. Auxiliary parking is available for those who wish to gain access to the battlefield overlook without walking the half-mile trail from the visitor center.
We particularly enjoy visiting smaller and less-crowded national park units such as Palo Alto where both visitors and NPS personnel seem more at ease. The park welcomed no more than two or three dozen visitors during our two-hour visit in late-December, which is prime time for tourist season in southern Texas.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is in Brownsville. It
8 Community Life is on Farm-to-Market Road 1847 just north of the intersection with Farm-to-Market Road 511.
The visitor center is open from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday. Times change seasonally and individuals planning a visit should check current operations by calling 956-541-2785, ext. 333.
The less-developed site of the second battle at Resaca de la Palma is a little less than 6 miles south of Palo Alto Battlefield via Paredes Line Road. This site has a restroom and a walking trail with signage, but does not have a visitor center. Neither site charges an entrance fee.
David and Kay Scott are authors of“ Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges”( Globe Pequot). Visit them at blog. valdosta. edu / dlscott
Photo by David and Kay Scott National Park Service ranger Helen Dhue welcomes visitors at the park visitor center.
A walking trail leads from the park visitor center to the battlefield
Photo by David and Kay Scott