Palo Alto Battlefield
National Historic Site

On May 8, 1846 troops of the United States and Mexico clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto in the first battle of a two-year war.

Signed into law in June 1992, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site preserves the 3,400-acre scene of this clash between nations and informs visitors about its national and international importance. As the only unit of the National Park Service with a primary focus on the U.S.-Mexican War, Palo Alto Battlefield also interprets the entire conflict--including the details of its origins and the broad range of consequences. In an effort to turn a scene of conflict into a place of bi-national exchange and understanding, all research and interpretation conducted by the park reflects perspectives of both the United States and Mexico.

VISITATION:

Palo Alto Battlefield currently operates from an interim visitor center/headquarters in downtown Brownsville. The park has also initiated interim operations on portions of the battlefiled site. The park is moving forward rapidly and visitor opportunities will be increasing in the near furure.

LOCATION:

The battlefield lies ten miles north of the Rio Grande in Cameron County, at the southern tip of Texas.

ADDRESS:

1623 Central Boulevard
Suite 213
Brownsville, TX, 78520
E-mail: paal_interpretation@nps.gov

TELEPHONE:

(956) 541-2785

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Park interim visitor center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., year round. Interim, on-site facilities are open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. year round. Both areas are closed weekends and federal holidays.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

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.
Five-day weather forecast

DIRECTIONS:

The battle 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. Park interim facilities are located 1,000 feet north of this intersection off of FM 1847.

Interim park visitor center is located at 1623 Central Boulevard, on the second floor of the International Bank of Commerce building. The building may be reached by taking Rt. 77/83 to the Boca Chica exit. Heading west on Boca Chica, drive approximately 2.5 miles to the intersection with Central Boulevard. Turning right on Central, the building is on the left, 100 feet from the intersection. Please Be Aware That Signs Marking The Park's Visitor Center May Be Difficult To Spot.

TRANSPORTATION:

Brownsville is ready accessible via a number of area airports. The closest terminal is the Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport in Brownsville. Other options include airports in Matamoros, Mexico, Harlingen, Texas, and McAllen, Texas.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

None

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
The park currently operates an interim, off-site, visitor area. At this facility, visitors may view an orientation video and exhibits on the battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.— Mexican War, browse a book sales area of some 100 titles, and obtain pamphlets about the park and related sites.

Trails, Roads:
Park on-site facilities currently consist of a small parking area, a 600 foot trail, and several interpretive displays. At this time, visitors do not have access to the primary scenes of battle, but these interim facilties do provide a view of the Palo Alto prairie and the terrain that faced combatants in 1846.

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. Please contact the park for information about specific opportunities and dates.

Lodging and camping facilities:
The park offers no lodging or camping facilities. The City of Brownsville offers a number of hotels and RV parks. Reservation information can be obtained from the Brownsville Convention and Visitor Bureau, (956)546-3721. RV and Camping areas also are available at Adolph Thomae, Jr. and Isla Blanca units of the Cameron County Park System, (956)761-5493.

Food/supplies:
A number of grocery stores and restaurants are available in the Brownsville area.

Accessibility:
Current facilities are accessible. Park plans call for all future facilities and services to be universally accessible.

Special Needs:
None

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Palo Alto Battlefield is a relatively new park with a small staff and limited opportunities at this time. This is an opportunity to watch a National Park Service unit take shape. The park encourages visitors to drop in, ask questions, and participate in the development of this nationally important site.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

None

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Palo Alto Battlefield is entering a period of rapid development and change. Park activities and opportunities will increase dramatically during 1999. For up-to-date information, continue to check this web site or contact the park prior to a visit.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

None planned at this time.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

None

ADJACENT VISITOR 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 historical museums 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 in Port Isabel. The Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau also offers a Heritage Trolley Tour to many sites around the city. Other offerings in the city include the Brownsville Art League Museum and the Gladys Porter Zoo. For more information on these sites, contact the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau at (956)546-3721. 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 FM 1847 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.

Last Updated:Friday, 27-Aug-99 12:56:00
http://www.nps.gov/paal/
Author: Douglas Murphy