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 cavalry and infantry troops at Rancho de Carricitos. News of the skirmish was forwarded to President James K. Polk leading him to declare Mexico "has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon the American soil."
When the U.S. army arrived in the Rio Grande delta in March 1846, General Taylor’s first stop was to establish a base that would allow him to receive reinforcements and materiel. He selected the Mexican settlement known as El Frontón de Santa Isabel.
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield features a half-mile circular trail with interpretive waysides. Head out to the observation deck on the resaca and experience why resacas make Brownsville, TX such a special place.
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 UTRGV near the Mexican War era Fort Brown site is also home to several post-Mexican War buildings.
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 invaluable learning experience. Your visit will also address U.S.-Mexican War TEKS elements for 4th—8th grade. Take advantage of this opportunity.
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 attractions.
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.
