The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have developed strong bonds and friendly ties since the war ended in 1848, these neighbors continue to contend with the legacy of the war.
Photo: NPS
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto.
- LocationBrownsville, TX
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now84°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Artillery
- Battlefields
- Birds
- Cavalry
- Colonization and Settlement
- Endangered
29 more topics
- Forts
- Grasslands
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Immigration
- Infantry and Militia
- Latino American Heritage
- Maritime
- Maritime - Military
- Mexican War
- Migrations
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Natural Sounds
- Prairies
- Presidents
- Rare
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Thickets and Shrublands
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Unique Species
- US Army
- US Marines
- US Navy
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
- Wetlands
Alerts (1)
InformationHike and Bike Closure
The historic battlefield trail hike and bike trail gate closes daily at sunset and reopens the next morning.
Things to Do
10 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Birding at Palo Alto Battlefield
Grab a pair of binoculars, hit the trail, and see what makes Palo Alto Battlefield a birding hotspot.
Learn more about Birding at Palo Alto Battlefield on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Birding at Resaca de la Palma Battlefield
With almost a mile of walking trails plus a deck over the water, Resca de la Palma Battlefield is a great place for birding.
Learn more about Birding at Resaca de la Palma Battlefield on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Discover Palo Alto Battlefield’s Visitor Center
Palo Alto Battlefield's visitor center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits. A good place to start is with our 15-minute video—"War on the Rio Grande." The video is available in English and Spanish.
Learn more about Discover Palo Alto Battlefield’s Visitor Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Explore the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
Palo Alto Battlefield serves as a gateway to the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail. The trail provides users a healthy way to explore Brownsville, TX and some of its historic sites and…
Learn more about Explore the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Battlefield Trail
Walk in the footsteps of history! Along your half-mile walk you will see a landscape very much like the one experienced by soldiers in 1846.
Learn more about Hiking the Battlefield Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
See Where it All Started - Rancho de Carricitos
Visit the site of the first official combat between of the U.S. - Mexican War. On April 24, 1846 Captain Seth Thornton and his 80 dragoons were ambushed by General Anastasio Torrejón and his 1,600…
Learn more about See Where it All Started - Rancho de Carricitos on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Self-guided Field Trips at Palo Alto Battlefield
Take your teaching to the next level and make Palo Alto Battlefield your classroom. Visiting the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War provides you and your students with an…
Learn more about Self-guided Field Trips at Palo Alto Battlefield on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Stand on the Grounds of General Zachary Taylor's Fort on the Rio Grande
Reservation required
Visit the site of the earthen fortification that became known as Fort Brown. While visiting this site you can see historical markers and even what is left of one of the fort’s bastions. The campus of…
Learn more about Stand on the Grounds of General Zachary Taylor's Fort on the Rio Grande on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Palo Alto Visitor Center
Facility
The visitor center features an exhibit area features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and Mexican War era military uniforms. The center also offers a 15-minute…
7200 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville, TX (956) 541-2785 Directions
Details
The visitor center features an exhibit area features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and Mexican War era military uniforms. The center also offers a 15-minute video—"War on the Rio Grande.” The video gives an overview of the war and is available in English and Spanish. The visitor center includes a small book store with over 100 book titles and specialty items. Don’t forget to get your national parks passport book stamped!
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM · Palo Alto Battlefield
Hours by area (2)
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Palo Alto BattlefieldDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Park grounds are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Visitor center hours of operation differ from park hours of operation and are dependent upon staffing. The visitor center may be closed when the grounds are open. Park trails close to new traffic at 4:30 pm. All gates are locked at 5 pm. All vehicles must clear the park by 5 pm.
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 8:00AM - 5:00PM -
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield UnitToday: Closed
The site officially closes at dusk and is closed on all federal holidays.
Monday Closed Tuesday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Sunday Closed
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
7200 Paredes Line RoadBrownsville, TX 78526
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
84°F
Sunny · feels like 92°
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Today
92° 79°
Sunny18% rain
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Tomorrow
92° 81°
Sunny10% rain
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Wednesday
90° 80°
Sunny38% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
Summers are hot and humid. Tropical weather systems generally affect the area from August to October. Winters are usually mild but cold fronts can drop temperatures by up to 30 degrees in about an hour.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
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Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
Show 3 more events
-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
-
Living History Program
About
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
Photos
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The overlook gives you a great view of the battlefield — NPS -
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Getting There
Brownsville, TX 78526
The park is located on Brownsville's north side, near the city of Los Fresnos. It is just north of the intersection of FM 1847 (Paredes Line Rd.) and FM 511/FM 550.
Mailing address: 600 E. Harrison Street, Brownsville, TX 78520
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