
National Historical Park ยท Texas
NPS
National Historical Park of the United States
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville, Texas, United States, is a National Park Service unit which preserves the grounds of the May 8, 1846, Battle of Palo Alto. It was the first major conflict in a border dispute that soon precipitated the MexicanโAmerican War. The United States Army victory here made the invasion of Mexico possible. The historic site portrays the battle and the war, and its causes and consequences, from the perspectives of both the United States and Mexico.
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. 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.





Please note: Visitor Center hours of operation differ from park hours of operation and are dependent upon staffing. Park grounds are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. 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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
The site officially closes at dusk and is closed on all federal holidays.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 9:00AM - 3:00PM | Closed |
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is free to enter.
Popular activities at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Biking, Road Biking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Living History.
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.
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.
Free Admission
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.
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.
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