Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park — Attraction in Brownsville

Palo Alto, the Battle that would mark the beginning of the Mexican-American War Campaign. A war that was ignited during the annexation of Texas because of a border dispute. Mexico "placed the boundary of Texas on the Nueces River and viewed U.S. claims to the Rio Grande as an attempt to seize more territory." [American] EXPANSIONIST AMBITIONS: "Determined to expand his country, James K. Polk dismissed Mexican claims that they still owned Texas and moved to annex the young [Mexican] republic. He also insisted that Texas stretched to the Rio Grande, far beyond the boundaries recognized by Mexico." "The limits of Texas are certain and recognized; never have they extended beyond the Nueces river." --Mexican General, Francisco Mejia, March 18, 1846

"MANY AMERICANS ACCUSED POLK of creating a boundary conflict by sending troops into the disputed territory."--quote illustrated at Palo Alto National Historic Park This accusation would later be confirmed by Ulysses S. Grant as he recalled "We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential that Mexico should commence it..."-- Ulysses S. Grant, Personal Memoirs In further study, we see this issue come up again when ABRAHAM LINCOLN questions and investigates president Polk's actions in congress. Congressman Abraham Lincoln, speaking in a session of congress says "...the president unnecessarily and Unconstitutionally commenced a war with Mexico....The marching an army into the midst of a peaceful Mexican settlement, frightening the inhabitants away, leaving their growing crops and other property to destruction, to you may appear a perfectly amiable, peaceful, un- provoking procedure; but it does not appear so to us." --Abraham Lincoln: Speech against Seizing Mexican Territory, Congressional Speech, January 12, 1848,

Later as a result of that war America would acquire a third of our modern days national land. All the land from Texas to as far north as Colorado and parts of Wyoming, and westward on to California. In the process Mexico would lose half her size to this acquisition. At the time there were American supporters of the war named: "All-Mexico" supporters [who] wished to absorb the entire [Mexican] country. In Mexico, many war-weary citizens were willing to surrender land to halt the fighting, while others wished to battle on to preserve [their] territory." "The treaty was a compromise. Mexico's negotiators surrendered northern territories but refused to cede additional lands. U.S. President Polk wanted more territory, but ultimately accepted the treaty produced by his representative, Nicholas Trist."

FIND OUT HOW... the Mexican-American War led to the American Civil War. "The Southern Rebellion was largely the outgrowth of the Mexican War. Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions. We got our punishment in the most sanguinary and expensive war of modern time [the Civil War]." --Ulysses S. Grant Arguably one of the best inside looks to what happened is in Grant's famous memoirs as he was dying in 1885 from cancer. "To this day [I] regard the war, which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory. Texas was originally a state belonging to the republic of Mexico... An empire in territory, it had but a very sparse population, until settled by Americans who had received authority from Mexico to colonize. These [American] colonists paid very little attention to the supreme government, and introduced slavery into the state almost from the start, though the constitution of Mexico did not, nor does it now, sanction that institution... The occupation, separation and annexation were, from the inception of the movement to its final consummation, a conspiracy to acquire territory out of which slave states might be formed for the American Union."--Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, General of US Army/18th...

As a local with a masters degree in American Military and Strategy I have to say that this Battlefield deserves preservation. What this park lacks in interpretation they excel in historical content, significance, maintenance & archeology. The Battlefield is not large so you will not 'drive' over it. There is a parking area where the fighting took place. From there you walk the Mexican and American lines. You will be able to read tablets and see numerous artillery pieces. The Visitors Center, although small is packed full of artifacts, information, a movie room and gift shop. Parking is ample and there are spaces for large RVs, school buses and trailers. The restrooms are located next to the front entrance and are always very clean. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. This is a great educational, historical and family friendly experience. I highly recommend it. Be willing to spend about 2 hours or more. Depending upon the time of the year, temperatures can be extremely hot in the afternoons in the summer. I would suggest a visit in the morning or late afternoon. Also, there is very little shade and virtually no benches to rest (and refect) on. When you venture out, take water with you. The staff has done a tremendous job adding pathways and keeping the 1846 year appearance up to date. Be very mindful of the wildlife, especially the rattlesnakes. They tend to be more noticeable in the fall months, so stay on the pathways.

One final note. Interpretation is the largest piece that is missing. There are no monuments or statues erected, nothing to tell you about the units and commanders that were engaged here. To me, this is the park's main area that needs to be addressed and corrected. The average visitor knows very little about this historical event and without unit markers or additional tablets it is difficult to envision the...

This battlefield is awesome! It has a walking trail, information sites (posted on wood panels like other parks), a small wooden bridge, a large canon on the trail, and plenty of space to take photos. It is a prairie, so expect lots of sun and almost no shade on a hot day. There is tall grass and signs to avoid possible snakes in the fields. There are flags in the fields marking where the battle lines would've been at the beginning of the battle. Lots of info here on markers. You can call a local phone number and dial a code to hear what the info on the markers has written on it (I guess for those who would rather hear someone read it aloud). The info sites are spaced out quite a bit on the trail, so it's a bit of a walk. It is all paved sidewalk, so no mud or debris. There is also a visitors building with restrooms and a park employee there if needed. Very interesting for those who love history or to take your kids for learning about the history of the RGV. This battle marked the beginning of the US-Mexican war. Pretty impressive park for...