Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park ⓘ

Rancho de Carricitos was located on the north bank of the Rio Grande, about 28 miles upriver from the U.S. post, Fort Texas. It was a large farm field fenced in by high, impenetrable chaparral thickets. On the morning of April 25, 1846, Captain Seth Thornton's party of 63 U.S. Dragoons approached this ranch. They were investigating reports that a large of Mexican force had crossed the river the previous day. The dragoons spotted a small cluster of houses within the clearing and decided to investigate. They located a narrow break that served as the only gate through the brush and proceeded toward the buildings at the far end of the field. A Mexican force had indeed crossed the river the previous day. Mexican General Anastasio Torrejón led almost 1,600 cavalry and infantry troops over the Rio Grande and took up a position on the north bank. From this point, Torrejón marched east, responding to his own scouting reports of Thornton's approach.

When Mexican troops arrived at Rancho de Carricitos, they located the Americans inside the naturally fenced field. Unseen by the Thornton’s party, General Torrejón first sent portions of his force to surround the field to close off any escape routes through the brush. Then, he ordered infantry troops to march through the gateway and form lines to block the exit from the ranch.

The sudden appearance of Mexican troops took the dragoons by surprise. With their backs to the river and impassable brush on each side, Thornton and his troops had no choice but to charge. However, heavy gunfire turned the horsemen back. Thornton's men then dismounted and attempted to cut their way through the chaparral fence, only to be stopped by Mexican troops outside the field. U.S. troops again circled the ranch in search of an exit, but to no avail. As Mexican cavalry poured into the clearing, the dragoons surrendered. Eleven U.S. soldiers lay dead on the field, 46—including Captain Thornton—were taken prisoner. Mexican forces suffered only a few minor casualties. News of the skirmish reached Fort Texas later that day. General Taylor forwarded word to President Polk that hostilities had commenced.

The brief battle had two important effects. In the U.S., news of the skirmish reached Washington D.C. on May 10, 1846. President Polk's passionate announcement that "American blood has been spilled upon the American territory," inspired Congress to declare war on May 13. In Mexico, the skirmish provided military leaders with a certain level of confidence in their ability to stand up to U.S. troops. This confidence, however, would be severely shaken in the aftermath of the next round of battles.

In the century and a half since the skirmish at Carricitos, the exact location of the ranch has been forgotten. Soldiers had measured the distance to the site along the winding path of the Rio Grande. Unfortunately, the river has since shifted course numerous times since 1846 making these measurements unreliable. The State of Texas commemorated this clash with a roadside monument, approximately 25 miles west of Brownsville, Texas. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has continued to perform surveys and research that may, in time, pinpoint the exact location of the Rancho de Carricitos skirmish. In the meantime, somewhere amidst the lush cane fields, rich soil, and dense chaparral, the spot where war began in 1846 remains hidden.

The site unofficially referred to as Fort Texas was an earthwork, in the rough shape of a six-sided star. Each earthen face of the fort extended from 125 to 150 yards. The walls were 9 feet high and 15 feet wide. A moat 20 feet wide and 8 feet deep circled the exterior. Inside, U.S. troops constructed a number of bomb-proofs and powder magazines to provide shelter from any incoming fire.

General Arista began positioning his artillery and troops around the fort shortly after General Taylor departed the fort on May 1, 1846. On May 3rd at 5 a.m., Mexican artillery opened fire on the fort from positions directly across the Rio Grande. Troops of the U.S. 7th Infantry quickly responded with their own artillery. When additional cannon fire erupted from Mexican positions up and down the river's bank, fort commander Major Jacob Brown pointed his guns into the city of Matamoros. Artillery fire from both side continued until well into the night. In time, this artillery exchange gave way to a prolonged standoff. The earthen walls of the fort withstood the impacts of the bombardment of May 3rd. Mexican officers apparently recognized the lack of success. On the following days, firing on the fort lessened significantly. General Pedro de Ampudia instead settled in for a more traditional siege. The general believed a charge on the fort would produce heavy casualties in his own ranks. The Mexican Army veteran now was hoping General Arista's army could prevent assistance from reaching the U.S. fort.

The artillery fire from within the fort decreased as well. Major Brown called for a halt to firing realizing the shots directed on Matamoros were having minimal effect. Over the next several days, U.S. troops conserved their limited ammunition and offered only brief flurries of return fire. Instead they concentrated on shoring up the defenses of their post. Otherwise, the soldiers could do little but wait for General Taylor to march to the rescue.

When Taylor’s force began its return march, Mexican troops received orders to assist in efforts to halt their advance. Although sporadic artillery fire on the fort continued, much of the Mexican infantry and cavalry surrounding the post had moved forward to join the fighting at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. U.S. soldiers at Fort Texas first learned of the advance from the distant rumble of cannon fire at Palo Alto on May 8th. Sounds of battle on May 9th revealed the fighting had reached Resaca de la Palma. That afternoon, the sight of hundreds of Mexican soldiers rushing to crossing points on the Rio Grande signaled Taylor's troops had been victorious. Concerned friendly fire might hit their own retreating troops, Mexican gunners immediately halted their bombardment of the fort. U.S. soldiers briefly fired upon the retreating Mexican troops. With U.S. Dragoons in hot pursuit of retreating Mexican forces, U.S. guns ceased fire as well for fear of the same. The U.S. victory at Resaca de la Palma brought an end to the six-day siege of Fort Texas.

Though Fort Texas withstood a siege of six days, with periods of heavy cannon fire, casualties were remarkably low. Only two U.S. soldiers died in the bombardment—but that toll included fort commander Jacob Brown. Major Brown was struck in the leg by a cannon ball on May 6th and died on May 9th, just hours before the siege ended. Despite being wounded, Brown helped maintain troop morale throughout the siege. His men renamed the liberated post—Fort Brown—in his honor. The town that grew around the fort would also take its name from the Major and become the city of Brownsville. Mexican leaders reported two killed and two wounded from U.S. artillery fire during the siege. The effect of artillery fire on the civilian population of Matamoros is unknown.

The Fort Brown site has suffered the effects of natural and man-made activity in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Although Fort Brown remained an active post until after World War II, the original earthworks were abandoned shortly after the war with Mexico. The Fort Brown site is currently owned and managed by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) . After a century of gradual erosion, the fort took a direct hit in the 1950s. Much of the structure was bulldozed to build a levee along the Rio Grande. Today a small section of the original walls has survived. In recent years, a growing effort has emerged to preserve the remnants of Fort Brown. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is currently working with IBWC to monitor the site.

The prairie of Palo Alto was naturally suited for the first battle of the Mexican War. The low-lying, coastal prairie was surrounded by tree covered rises that inspired its Spanish name, "Tall Timber." The Matamoros to Point Isabel Road crossed the vast field on the western end. It was this very road Zachary Taylor's force of 2,300 men and 400 wagons were following. In the early hours of May 8, 1846, General Mariano Arista led his 3,200 men onto this field. The Mexican general positioned his cannons on the roadway to block the U.S. advance. He also placed lines of infantry and additional artillery across the prairie. Arista capped his mile-long battle line with his cavalry. Using this formation, Arista hoped to outflank and crush the approaching U.S. Army.

General Taylor arrived at Palo Alto around midday on May 8. As U.S. troops marched out of the cover of mesquite thickets at the northern edge of the field, they paused to entrench their supply train. When this was done, they advanced to within 700 yards of the Mexican lines. The stage was set.

When the Mexican cannon began firing, U.S. troops assumed battle formation, but did not advance to engage Mexican forces. General Taylor feared a charge would leave his supply train vulnerable to attack. The general decided to hold his infantry and cavalry in a defensive formation and rolled his artillery forward to respond. Taylor’s use of 18-pound siege cannons was significant. The guns were originally intended for duty at Fort Texas. The devastating fire of these huge guns tore at the Mexican lines, causing numerous casualties. By contrast, Mexican artillery was much less effective and frequently fired short of the U.S. lines.

Arista attempted to answer the devastating effects of Taylor’s artillery by sending cavalry troops against the right flank of the U.S. line. General Anastasio Torrejón's lancers swept across the western edge of the field, but soon became bogged down by the uneven ground and dense growth. By the time the charge reached its destination, the U.S. 5th Infantry had positioned itself to repel the attack. Torrejón's horsemen regrouped and attempted an attack on the U.S. supply train. Torrejón's charge was turned back again. This time Taylor's light artillery provided support against the charge. Torrejón's withdrawal permitted U.S. forces to move forward along the road. Taylor’s continued concern for the supply train and a grass fire that erupted in the middle of the field prevented a full advance. As heavy smoke from the fire brought shooting to a halt, the U.S. advance resulted in little more than a rotation of the battle lines.

When the smoke cleared, the U.S. artillery resumed its devastating fire on the Mexican lines. Mexican artillerymen responded by directing their guns at the U.S. artillery, hoping to bring relief from the assault. The tactic met with limited effect but did strike one heavy blow Taylor’s force. One round from the Mexican artillery mortally wounded Samuel Ringgold, the mastermind behind the U.S. light artillery. As Mexican troops continued to fall, General Arista ordered a second cavalry charge. This time the attack was against the U.S. left flank. Once again, the U.S. light artillery showed its strength. U.S. cannoneers quickly re-positioned their cannons and spoiled a series of attacks on the U.S. supply train. Captain James Duncan's fire was so effective that he was able to advance his guns across the field. Only a concerted counteract by the Mexican cavalry halted his push forward.

At 7 p.m. the fierce, four-hour cannonade came to an end. Mexican forces had depleted their ammunition and withdrew to the southern edge of the field. With darkness approaching and the ever-present concern for the safety of his supply train, General Taylor retired as well. U.S. forces set up camp behind their lines and prepared to resume fighting the following morning.

Mexican troops had delayed the U.S. advance and maintained their siege of Fort Texas, but the Battle of Palo Alto had clearly favored Taylor's forces. The constant pounding from U.S. 18-pounders and efficient use of light field pieces had inflicted heavy Mexican casualties. Arista's army suffered 102 killed, 129 wounded, and 26 missing. U.S. casualties numbered only 9 killed, 44 wounded, and 2 missing.

These casualty figures prompted General Arista to reject a second day of battle at Palo Alto. After spending much of the night burying their dead, Mexican forces withdrew early the next morning to Resaca de la Palma. The two armies would clash here for second time. This battle Taylor and his men would win decisively.

Palo Alto has escaped much of the development that has swept across the lower Rio Grande Valley, retaining much of its 1846 character. It is a vast plain still features razor-sharp cordgrass, dense thickets of mesquite, cactus and other thorny plants. Palo Alto vividly recalls the scene described by soldiers in dozens of letters and diary entries. The park continues with efforts to preserve the battlefield, provide access, and encourage public understanding of this historically important site.

Resaca de la Palma, also known as Resaca de Guerrero, is an old, dry river channel of the Rio Grande. It is one of many long, water-filled ravines left behind by the shifting course of the winding river. The old pathway was lined with dense brush and its bed was dotted with pools of water. The Mexican Army hoped these natural features would limit any attack against troops positioned there. Following his retreat from Palo Alto on May 9th, General Mariano Arista occupied this site in force. He blocked the Point Isabel-Matamoros road crossing with artillery and placed infantry troops along banks of the resaca. The heavy brush offered his troops abundant protective cover. Cavalry troops were kept in the rear as a reserve force. Mexican troops hoped to force an infantry battle in the dense chaparral instead of the open-field artillery duel that had devastated them at Palo Alto.

General Zachary Taylor followed Arista's force from Palo Alto to the old resaca. Taylor left his wagon train safely entrenched at Palo Alto so he could focus all of his attention on Arista's force. Taylor and his troops arrived at Resaca de la Palma around 3 p.m. and the general immediately ordered a charge on the Mexican positions. As U.S. artillery fired on Mexican batteries guarding the resaca crossing, U.S. infantrymen rushed into the brush on both sides of the road. They engaged Mexican soldiers in furious hand-to-hand combat. Many of Taylor's soldiers had experience fighting in similar conditions and were well prepared for this fight. U.S. soldiers also had the good fortune to find a path that led them over the waterway and around the most heavily fortified areas. Once across the resaca, they encountered more Mexican soldiers. These soldiers had little training in close-quarter fighting, had not eaten in twenty-four hours, and were demoralized by the carnage at Palo Alto. Mexican forces put up a gritty fight but in less than an hour U.S. forces spilled from the brush into the clearing that housed General Arista's field headquarters.

General Taylor was unaware of the success of his troops in the chaparral. He ordered Captain Charles May and his dragoons to seize the Mexican artillery blocking the resaca crossing. Captain Randolph Ridgely's artillery drew fire to expose the Mexican positions and the U.S. horsemen spurred their mounts down the roadway. An initial charge drove many of the Mexican artillerymen from their guns, but May's men rode past their target. They regrouped and retraced their path through a gauntlet of musket fire. Captain May and his men were able to capture the Mexican Artillery commander, General Rómulo Díaz de la Vega, and several of his men. Even with the capture of the Mexican general, fierce fire from Mexican troops forced the 5th and 8th U.S. infantry regiments to enter the fight for the Mexican cannons. The spirited fight for control of the roadway effectively ended Mexican resistance.

With their cannon silenced and U.S. soldiers swarming their camp, disoriented Mexican troops fled for the safety of the Rio Grande. General Arista led a cavalry charge up the roadway, but U.S. troops advanced in such great numbers he was forced to join the retreat. When it was all over, U.S. troops counted 45 dead and 97 wounded. Mexican forces suffered a reported 158 killed and 228 wounded, including the complete destruction of the Tampico Battalion—whose members faced some of the heaviest fire. Arista's army also counted 168 soldiers missing in action. Many of these men perished in the treacherous currents of the Rio Grande as they attempted to swim across.

The U.S. victory at Resaca de la Palma ended the six-day siege of Fort Texas and left the north bank of the lower Rio Grande firmly in U.S. hands. The battle also had an enormous effect on the morale of the two armies. Considered the first U.S. victory of the war, the battle at Resaca de la Palma spurred the confidence of American soldiers. With the official declaration of war still days away, U.S. troops felt sure they could defeat their foe at any place and in any numbers. Mexican troops were thrown off-balance by consecutive defeats and would never fully recover.

An isolated, natural area at the time of the battle, Resaca de la Palma now lies within Brownsville's city limits. The site has been overtaken by growth in this rapidly growing border community. The old roadway that once crossed the resaca has been replaced by a major road and dense chaparral has given way to residential and commercial development. Nevertheless, large portions of the site have escaped development and retain a trace of the thorny brush encountered by soldiers. In the sections that escaped development, the gulf breeze pushes away the sound of the city and allows observers to sense the environment faced by combatants on the day of battle. The site features restroom facilities, a walking trail, interpretive waysides, and a picnic area. Gates are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. The park operates a Contact Station on an irregular basis. For the most up to date information about this site and Contact Staion hours, call us at (956) 541-2785 and press 0.

In the spring of 1846, disputes over the ownership and boundaries of Texas pushed the U.S. and Mexico towards war. On December 29, 1845, President James K. Polk fulfilled a long-standing campaign promise by welcoming the former Republic of Texas into the Union. But Mexicans insisted Texas was rightfully part of their country. Although Texans had claimed independence from Mexico in 1836, Mexican leaders never recognized Texas sovereignty. The Mexican government still held faint hopes of regaining control of their rebellious state. They denounced U.S. annexation of Texas as an act of aggression against Mexico.

Tensions intensified when President Polk announced the Rio Grande formed the southern boundary of Texas. While Texans maintained this river as their boundary, Mexico mapped Texas as a much smaller region bordered in part by the Nueces River. The differing views on the boundary left in dispute a huge stretch of land between the two rivers. In July of 1845, Polk sent an army led by General Zachary Taylor to Corpus Christi, located on the banks of the Nueces River. Troops were officially deployed to help defend Texas from a potential Mexican attack on Texas. But they also presented a show of force, just as a U.S. negotiator headed to Mexico City.

The advance of U.S. troops and Polk's new demand that Mexico sell its New Mexico and California territories infuriated Mexican President Joaquin Herrera. President Herrera refused to meet with the American envoy when he arrived but his willingness to allow him into the country brought about his ruin. In December of 1845, General Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga overthrew Herrera and installed himself as President. The new president vowed to discuss nothing but the return of Texas. Polk continued to apply pressure. In January 1846, he ordered General Taylor to claim the Rio Grande as the U.S. boundary. In March, Taylor led 4,000 troops to the river's edge. Taylor's army set up camp across from the city of Matamoros and began construction of Fort Texas, the earthen fieldwork that would serve as a U.S. base.

General Paredes was not swayed by this show of force. He expelled the U.S. envoy from Mexico, declared his willingness to fight, and sent thousands of troops to the city of Matamoros. In April 1846, he appointed General Mariano Arista as the commander of this growing force. Polk hesitated to respond with hostilities against Mexico. Many political foes within the U.S. questioned his claims to the Rio Grande boundary. Polk realized crossing the Rio Grande or firing the first shots might sway public opinion against his cause. Instead, he waited for Mexican forces to initiate fighting north of the river so he could portray the conflict as one of national defense.

Mexican military leaders viewed U.S. occupation of the Rio Grande as an invasion of their territory and did not hesitate to cross the river. On April 25, 1846, Mexican troops overwhelmed a U.S. scout party on the north bank of the river, at Rancho de Carricitos. Word of this clash reached Washington D.C. on May 10. The news caused President Polk to announce Mexico had "spilled American blood upon the American territory". Polk demanded a response and on May 13, 1846, amid a spirit of nationalism, Congress complied and declared war.

With the outbreak of hostilities at Rancho de Carricitos, both U.S. and Mexican armies accepted war had begun. Neither side waited for a formal declaration of war. General Mariano Arista began shuttling troops across the Rio Grande to besiege the isolated Fort Texas. General Zachary Taylor expected just such a move. On May 1, 1846, Taylor marched most of his troops to his supply depot at Point Isabel on the Gulf of America. It was there the veteran U.S. general would meet an incoming naval fleet carrying supplies needed to endure an extended siege. General Taylor left Major Jacob Brown, the U.S. Seventh Infantry, and portions of the Third Artillery—some 550 men—to hold the post on the river. General Arista was not able to prevent Taylor's departure for the coast. Instead he moved quickly to surround the U.S. outpost on the river. On May 3, 1846, Mexican artillery opened fire on Fort Texas from all directions in hopes of forcing a quick surrender of its defenders.

General Taylor soon marched to assist his besieged men. After improving the defenses at his supply depot, known as Fort Polk, he set out on May 7th with 2,300 troops and 200 supply wagons to break the siege of Fort Texas. General Arista moved to block this advance. He positioned 3,200 troops across the Matamoros road where it crossed the broad prairie of Palo Alto. On the afternoon of May 8, 1846, he engaged the U.S. force in a fierce artillery battle—the first major clash of the war. Mexican forces stood their ground but suffered heavy casualties. On the morning of May 9, General Arista withdrew several miles to the brush covered banks of Resaca de la Palma. Taylor's troops pursued Arista's force. They engaged the Mexican Army that afternoon in what would be known as the Battle of Resaca de la Palma. Taylor's troops overran Arista's lines and forced Mexican troops to retreat across the Rio Grande. Taylor's victory ended the six-day siege of Fort Texas.

On May 18, 1846, Taylor's troops crossed the Rio Grande and entered the city of Matamoros. The occupation took place without a fight. Mexican forces had determined the city could not be defended and had withdrawn down the road leading to Monterrey. The lower Rio Grande Valley had been conceded to the U.S. Army.

In the aftermath of the battles on the Rio Grande, many U.S. soldiers felt certain their success would yield an early end to war. However, Mexican leaders were determined to fight. Despite continuing U.S. pressure and a growing list of defeats, Mexican leaders came to view the conflict as a war of honor and resisted for almost two years.

In the summer of 1846, the war shifted west as army and naval forces began the conquest of Mexico's New Mexico and Upper California territories. The takeover was complete by January 1847. But Zachary Taylor's forces would remain at the forefront of military activity. After adding thousands of volunteer soldiers to his once-tiny force, Taylor left Matamoros in August 1846 and advanced toward the Mexican interior.

Taylor's went on to victory at the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846 and would occupy the city of Saltillo two months later. Taylor and his men would then overcome two difficult days of combat and gain an unlikely victory over General Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. However, Taylor's progress frustrated President Polk who wanted to end the war quickly. For this reason, in November 1846, Polk appointed General Winfield Scott as the new General-in-Chief of U.S. forces in Mexico. General Scott was to open a new front at the gulf coast city of Veracruz.

Winfield Scott's campaign became the key factor in the war. Scott's troops landed near Veracruz, on March 9, 1847. U.S. forces bombarded the city until Mexican officials surrendered on March 29th. Scott then pressed toward central Mexico. Along the way, Scott and his army defeated Mexican forces at Cerro Gordo (April 18, 1847), Contreras and Churubusco (August 20, 1847), and Molino del Rey (September 8, 1847). On September 13, 1847, the dramatic U.S. assault on Chapultepec Castle overwhelmed the last major line of defense for Mexico City. The following day, U.S. troops entered the Mexican capital and raised the Stars and Stripes over the National Palace.

Although U.S. troops occupied their capital, Mexican leaders hesitated to cede territory. This caused negotiations to drag on for months. Finally, on February 2, 1848, the U.S and Mexico came to terms. In the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Mexico agreed to surrender all claims to Texas and accept the Rio Grande as the boundary of that state. Mexico also agreed to sell its New Mexico and Upper California territories to the U.S. for the price of $15 million. The treaty resulted in Mexico losing half its national territory and the U.S. doubling in size.

This territorial exchange had long-term effects on both nations. The war and treaty extended the U.S. to the Pacific Ocean and provided a bounty of ports, minerals, and natural resources for a growing country. The abundance of lands also produced debates about extending slavery into the West. That dispute would help spark a nation-defining civil war. In Mexico, the loss of battles and territories was a national trauma. Political and military leaders challenged each other on the best way to revive their troubled country. Mexico descended into a long period of turmoil, civil war, and foreign intervention. But the war also inspired new leaders who were determined to avoid additional humiliation for their country. The new generation eventually united Mexico, forced out foreign invaders, and established the foundations of a modern state.

Perhaps the most enduring effect of the war, however, is on U.S.-Mexican relations. While the war is remembered with passion south of the border, it is often overlooked to the north. And, although the two countries have developed strong bonds and friendly ties since 1848, these neighbors continue to struggle with distrust and misunderstandings created by the war, its effects, and its legacy.

Palo Alto Battlefield strives to promote understanding and awareness of the U.S.-Mexican War, its causes, and consequences. In keeping with its mission, the park encourages discussion of all aspects and perspectives of this important event. The following list of U.S.-Mexican War related sites is meant to provide a variety of perspectives and opinions. It does not imply that Palo Alto Battlefield and the National Park Service endorse the material presented.

Descendants of Mexican War Veterans — Lineage society for descendants of Mexican War veterans Aztec Club of 1847 — Originally a society formed by U.S. military officers who participated in the occupation of Mexico City in 1847 The History Guy: The Mexican-American War — General overview of the war

Palo Alto Battlefield is the only unit of the National Park Service that focuses primarily on the U.S.-Mexican War. However, there are many sites in the U.S. and Mexico that preserve sites related to the war or present related topics.

Pio Pico State Historic Park - Home of the last Mexican governor of California who was also a military commander in during the war San Pascual State Historic Park - Commemorates the December 6, 1846 clash between U.S. forces, led by Gen. Stephen W. Kearny and Mexican/Californio forces, commanded by Andres Pico. Sonoma State Historic Park - Scene of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt against Mexican authorities in California

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - Staging area for General Kearny's "Army of the West."

Illinois State Military Museum - Museum displays one of the most popular artifacts of the war - General Antonio López de Santa Anna's wooden leg

Fort Scott National Historic Site - Home base for some dragoon regiments that participated in the war.

Fort Jesup State Historic Site - Frontier fort that was the starting point for General Zachary Taylor's march to the Rio Grande

Santa Fe National Historic Trail - An established trade route that became a corridor for U.S. soldiers marching to New Mexico and California

Palace of the Governors - Site was once occupied by General Kearney during his 1846 conquest of New Mexico

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park was created to recognize an important historical event, but it also protects many natural resources. Park boundaries are drawn around more than 3,400 acres of undeveloped land. The park contains an abundance of plant and animal life—including many species unique to the U.S-Mexico border region. The park's defining feature is the broad coastal prairie—scene of the first battle of the U.S.- Mexican War. Clumps of razor-sharp cord grass and other low-lying grasses and flowers cover this coastal plain. It stretches to the east for miles toward the Gulf of America. It is interrupted only by scattered trees, yuccas, and prickly-pear cactus.

This situation creates an interesting problem for the park. As a national park, Palo Alto is committed to properly documenting, protecting, and managing its natural resources. As a battlefield site, the park must emphasize the site's historical importance. Careful planning goes into any activities to manage or restore habitat and wildlife. This keeps well-meaning projects from having a negative impact on the site's historical and archaeological resources.

Fortunately, cultural and natural resource activities at the park usually complement each other. Battlefield preservation projects usually support habitat preservation. This habit provides a home for plants and animals that have called Palo Alto their home since the time of the war. Similarly, projects to restore the landscape to its Mexican War era appearance generally encourage restoration of native habitat and species. Visitors will ultimately benefit from the park's conservation efforts. History enthusiasts will have an opportunity to view terrain and vegetation that influenced the battle. Nature enthusiasts will have an opportunity to view plants and animals that drew the attention of soldiers more than so long ago. The park hopes visitors will find Palo Alto a place of simple beauty and a living monument to the men who fought here so many years ago.

Tuna is the Spanish word for the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. This cactus is well known for its colorful blooms which come in shades of yellow, orange, peach, and red. When the blooms fade, the sweet fruits or tunas develop. The pads, also known as nopalitos, are edible as well - once the spines have been removed. Both of these items can be found at local grocery stores.

Although native to the region, the cactus is more common now than in the past. The spread of prickly pear at Palo Alto is the result of decades of activities such as cattle ranching and ground clearing.

Mesquite trees and South Texas go hand in hand. The rugged plant is one of the few trees that do well in the area's hot, dry climate. When the trees are young they are flexible enough to bend in the coastal winds. Their sharp thorns protect them from grazing animals. As the trees mature, their trunks and branches grow rigid and dense.

Today, numerous dense pockets of mesquite dot the battlefield. This was not the case in 1846. The battlefield then was an open prairie, a perfect place for an artillery battle. Over the years, activities like cattle ranching have helped mesquite spread onto the prairie. The park is currently working on a mesquite management plan in the hopes of restoring the battlefield to its original state.

The yucca is a formidable looking plant grows throughout much of South Texas. Yucca can reach heights of up to 20 feet. Its pale blooms mature from December to April. Their sharp pointed leaves offer a safe haven from predators for various bird species.

Take proper precautions around yucca or you will quickly find our why they also call it Spanish Dagger. Its sharp leaves can easily pierce through clothing and skin. Ouch!

We want you to have a safe and enjoyable visit. NPS / Matt Turner Welcome Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has grown since its establishment in 1992. Over the years the park has made additions to its visitor services and programs. The park’s rich resources provide enjoyment for both the nature enthusiast and history buff.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has grown since its establishment in 1992. Over the years the park has made additions to its visitor services and programs. The park’s rich resources provide enjoyment for both the nature enthusiast and history buff. We suggest you begin your visit at the Visitor Center and pick up a park brochure and trail guide. Our friendly front desk staff will be happy to give you an orientation to the park and the surrounding area. Park grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Services may be limited on federal holidays. Visit our Operating Hours & Seasons page for the latest information on Visitor Center hours.