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 .
David and Kay Scott are authors of “ Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges ” ( Globe Pequot ). Visit them at blog . valdosta . edu / dlscott
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 .
February 2025 | Valdosta Scene 31