The initial conflict involved Texas , an area colonized by the Spanish in the 1700s , that was annexed by the United States in 1846 , ten years following the Republic of Texas declaring its independence from Mexico . None of this sat well with Mexican authorities who claimed ownership of the land and considered its international border to be north of the Rio Grande , along the Nueces River . US President
James Polk chose to demonstrate US authority by constructing an earthen fort along the Rio Grande River . The fort would later be used by Confederate forces during America ’ s Civil War . Construction of the fort precipitated a Mexican attack followed by a massing of several thousand soldiers by each country at Palo Alto , a broad prairie where the initial battle of the Mexican-American War took place . The ensuing 5-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 located in Brownsville , Texas , on FM 1847 ( 7200 Paredes Line Road ) just north of the intersection with FM 511 . The visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a . m . to 4 p . m . 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 .
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