Visiting Palo Alto Battlefield

Historic Site Was Location of First Battle During US/Mexican War

Few people realize the role the Rio Grande Valley has played in Texas and US history. Several important battles were fought in this border region during the Texas Revolution, the US/Mexican War, and the Civil War. One of the most significant of these sites was the Palo Alto Battlefield, located just north of Brownsville and a short drive from South Padre Island.

The Battle of Palo Alto, which took place on May 8, 1846, was the first battle of the two-year conflict known as the US/Mexican War. The site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a National Historic Site in 1978. Today, the 3,400-acre battlefield is the only unit of the National Park Service that has a primary focus on the US/Mexican War.

Visitors to Palo Alto will find a visitors' center full of exhibits dedicated to the US/Mexican War, a battlefield overlook station and walking trail. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.