See the site of the first battle of the U.S. Mexican War in Brownsville, Texas! It began on May 8, 1846, when United States and Mexican troops fought on the prairie of Palo Alto. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park preserves the site. Along with its sister site at Resaca de la Palma Battlefield Historic Park these are the only National Park Service parks to illuminate the U.S. Mexican War.
Begin your time at the Palo Alto Visitor Center.
My kids loved the indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits.
While the younger kids played on the hands on exhibits the adults and older kids read about the what happened here. Also don’t miss the 15-minute video—”War on the Rio Grande.” This gives so much information and understanding to the site.
This is a great place for a hike! The trail is about a half mile long. Plan for at least an hour to explore.
Experience a landscape that is preserved almost as it was on the day of the battle. You will see the two battle lines as Mexican and U.S. troops readied for the clash that began the war.
On May 8, 1846, Mexican General Arista led 3,200 men onto this field. His cannons along with infantry were positioned to block the U.S. advance. U.S. General Taylor advanced to within 700 yards of the Mexican lines. Mexican cannons began firing. Taylor’s troops fired 18-pound siege cannons tearing at the Mexican lines.
Out gunned Arista sent cavalry troops in. The U.S. was able to repel the attack. After several more attempts Mexico was forced to withdraw and let U.S. forces move forward. Mexican forces withdrew early the next morning to Resaca de la Palma.
Together with the Resaca de la Palma Battlefield unit, Palo Alto Battlefield is a great opportunity to learn about the war, its causes and consequences, and its influence on the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
We have quite a few battlefields near us. They are definitely interesting places to explore.
That looks like such a fun place to take the kids. I’m a big fan of touring historical sites like this. I think it’s a great way to really put a sense of reality into history.
I need to go here one day! I enjoy checking out battlefields since I love history. We went to Gettysburg and it was an experience.
This place is beautiful and so rich in history. The history buffs will love it.
Looks like a great place to explore. My kids love going to historic parks and museums, I wish this was close by.
This is such a great place to visit with family especially with kids. Loved this kind of post where we get to know the history of ones place.
I absolutely love historic sites like this! While we were in Canada, we visited Fort George, the headquarters of the British Army during the War of 1812.
My sister lives in Bay Area.. I will tell her about this historic park! Sounds like a great place to bring kids, learn our history.
That is an awesome historical site! I would love to take the kids there sometime!
I’ve never considered visiting Palo Alto. It looks like your family had a wonderful time and I had no idea that this was even there.