Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park |
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Palo Alto battlegrounds today
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 Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Location in Texas
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cameron County, Texas, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Brownsville, Texas |
| Area | 3,357.42 acres (13.5870 km2) 1,039.62 acres (420.72 ha) federal |
| Established | November 10, 1915 |
| Visitors | 36,707 (in 2012) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park |
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Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
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Former U.S. National Historic Site
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| Built | 1846 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000812 |
| Significant dates | |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
| Designated NHP | March 30, 2009 |
| Designated NHS | November 19, 1978 |
| Delisted NHS | March 30, 2009 |
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is a special place near Brownsville, Texas. It protects the land where the Battle of Palo Alto happened on May 8, 1846. This battle was the first big fight in a disagreement over borders. This disagreement soon led to the Mexican–American War.
The United States Army won this battle. Their victory made it possible for them to move into Mexico. The park helps visitors understand the battle and the war. It also explains why the war started and what happened afterward. It shares the stories from both the United States and Mexico.
The National Park Service owns about a third of the land for the park. This includes the main battlefield area where Mexican forces were located. Some parts of the battlefield are still owned by private citizens. A plant called Honey Mesquite grows a lot here. It changes how the historical landscape looks.
At the park's visitor center, you can see exhibits about the battle. There is also a 15-minute video called "War on the Rio Grande." A short trail, about half a mile long, leads to a viewpoint of the battlefield. Along the trail, signs explain what happened during the battle.
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The Battle of Palo Alto: A Key Moment
The Battle of Palo Alto took place on May 8, 1846. It was the very first battle of the Mexican–American War. This important fight happened near what is now Brownsville, Texas.
Why the Battle Started
On April 30, 1846, Mexican troops crossed the Rio Grande river. They were led by General Mariano Arista. Their goal was to attack an American base called Fort Texas. American General Zachary Taylor expected this attack. He moved his main army to protect his supply base, Fort Polk. He left 500 soldiers at Fort Texas, led by Major Jacob Brown.
The Fight Begins
Mexican forces started attacking Fort Texas on May 3. The attack lasted several days. During this time, Major Brown was badly wounded and later died. On May 7, General Taylor left Fort Polk to help Fort Texas. General Arista learned about Taylor's move. He positioned his army to block Taylor on the road.
Armies Clash on the Battlefield
The two armies met on May 8, around 2 P.M. American soldiers faced the Mexican line. The Americans stopped an early cavalry charge. Then, a grass fire forced the Mexican line to move back. The Americans were able to advance about 1,000 yards.
After another failed cavalry charge, General Arista tried to attack the American left side. But the American light artillery fired quickly and accurately, pushing him back. American soldiers and dragoons then moved forward. They pushed the Mexican right side off the field.
After the Battle
As night fell, the fighting stopped. General Arista moved his forces to a safer spot. The next day, May 9, General Taylor followed. This led to another battle, the Battle of Resaca de la Palma.
The Battle of Palo Alto was a clear American victory. Few soldiers were lost, with 5 dead and 43 wounded. However, two important American officers died. These were Major Brown, who bravely defended Fort Texas, and Major Samuel Ringgold. Major Ringgold was known for his "flying artillery." This fast and mobile artillery was a big advantage for General Taylor throughout the war.
Park History and Growth
Palo Alto Battlefield was recognized as a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960. This means it is a very important historical place. On November 10, 1978, it became the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site. Its boundaries were changed on June 23, 1992.
On March 30, 2009, the site became a National Historical Park. It also grew to include the Resaca De La Palma Battlefield. This is another important battle site, covering 34 acres within Brownsville.
Recently, in 2023, a law allowed for the possible addition of Fort Brown to the park. This would add 166 acres if studies show it is a good idea.
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