travel column
big story
SMALL NATIONAL PARK TELLS
Story and photos by David and Kay Scott
During a late December Texas road trip along the Gulf Coast and Rio Grande River we stopped a few miles north of Brownsville to visit Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park , one of the 433 units managed by the National Park Service . We had visited the site a couple of decades ago but at the time found little more than a sign identifying the location .
The park is now up and running with a visitor center , picnic area , cannons , flags and improved trails marked with informative signage interpreting one of America ’ s significant , but little-known military battles .
Walking into the visitor center we were greeted by park ranger Helen Dhue . Mentioning our earlier visit and the site ’ s subsequent development , ranger Dhue replied , “ We tell visitors this is a small park that tells a big story .” Palo Alto Battlefield NHS is the only unit of the National Park Service that focuses primarily on the Mexican-American War . Results of the 2-year conflict certainly make it a major story , although neither of us could recall it receiving much attention in school despite the United States being able to gain control of approximately half of Mexico ’ s territory .
14 GAINESVILLE LIVING