Palo Alto Battlefield

https://www.nps.gov/paal/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palo_Alto_Battlefield_National_Historical_Park Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park near Brownsville, Texas 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 Mexican–American 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. A half-mile trail leads to an overlook of the battlefield and includes interpretive panels. 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. 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. Palo Alto Visitor Center 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! 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. Battlefield overlook Shaded structure overlooking the battlefield The overlook gives you a great view of the battlefield Sunrise Sun rising over the battlefield Get here when the park opens and enjoy views like this. Sunset over the battlefield Sunset over the battlefield Early sunsets during winter are a sight to behold. Mexican 8-pounder Mexican 8-pounder cannon on the battlefield. A Mexican 8-pound field gun surveys the battlefield. NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, Texas Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. boardwalk crosses coastal prairie Mexican War Food As can be expected, the U.S. Army ration has seen many changes since the U.S.-Mexican War. The one thing that has remained the same is the fact that soldiers will complain about and if necessary, supplement their field rations. Closeup of iron Dutch oven over hot coals. Of Mythical Importance Many of the people, places, and events of U.S. history have become the subject of popular and familiar legends. Some of these tales hold a grain of truth and some none at all. Palo Alto Battlefield generates many interesting stories as well. Most of the tales linked to the site are true. Some are partly true. Others are myths and unfounded rumors. Have you been misinformed? Color lithograph of Grant and Lee at Appomattox. Women in the U.S.-Mexican War Women left their mark on the U.S.-Mexican War. On the home front and on the battlefront, north and south of the Rio Grande, women served their nation in a variety of ways. Female living historian dressed as a camp follower. Soldier Pastimes In 1846, thousands of U.S. and Mexican soldiers left the comforts of home to fight in the Mexican War. Many came looking for action and ended up battling a different enemy –boredom. Color lithograph of the U.S. Army of Occupation at Corpus Christi, TX. Module Conducts Wildland-Urban Interface Projects Throughout the Intermountain Region In 2013, the Saguaro Wildland Fire Module (WFM) managed multiple projects simultaneously in AZ, TX, and NM. WFMs are highly skilled and versatile fire crews that provide expertise in long-term planning, ignitions, holding, prescribed fire preparation and implementation support, hazardous fuels reduction, and fire effects monitoring. With their help, fire fulfills its natural or historic role to meet resource and management objectives and create fire-adapted communities. Lock, Stock, & Barrel In the hands of U.S. and Mexican soldiers, the flintlock musket was both a giver and taker of life. An instrument of war made of wood and steel, it was often the only thing standing between an early grave or living another day. Living historian firing a flintlock musket. Texas Tortoise Monitoring at Palo Alto Battlefield Palo Alto Battlefield and the Gulf Coast Inventory & Monitoring Network began development of the tortoise monitoring project in 2008. The project is part of a service-wide program to keep a close eye on parks with significant natural resources. The goal of this inventory and monitoring program is to help identify significant environmental issues in National Parks and address them before they reach a severe stage. Looking down on a Texas tortoise Virtual Junior Ranger Visiting Palo Alto Battlefield offers great learning experiences, but right now it’s not possible to visit the park in person. Fortunately, you can still connect with us from wherever you are! Check out the activities below and take a “field trip” through our website. Junior Ranger bucket hat with Junior Ranger badges on it Mexican War Medicine We often take for granted everyday conveniences. Half of the things in your medicine cabinet would probably have been considered a medical marvel by a Mexican War era doctor. If you can’t find it in your medicine cabinet, chances are you can easily find something at a nearby supermarket or convenience store that can bring relief to most common ailments. Medical kit case in Red Cross colors. Vegetation Management at Palo Alto Battlefield Palo Alto Battlefield is working to reverse some of the 20th Century activities. These activities have altered the physical environment and continue to harm the historic character of the battlefield. However, the park has the opportunity to restore or lessen altered landscapes on the core battlefield. Developing a comprehensive and integrated vegetation management plan would allow the park to fulfill its legislative mandate of preserving the historic character of site. People using tools to plant cordgrass plugs. Resacas Long forgotten meanders of the Rio Grande, called resacas scar the landscape of both units of Palo Alto Battlefield NHP. The very river that played such a pivotal role in the U.S.-Mexican War. The very river that played such a pivotal role in the war had already left its mark on the sites long before the first shot was fired. Wooden deck overlooking the water in a resaca The Civilian Experience in the Civil War After being mere spectators at the war's early battles, civilians both near and far from the battlefields became unwilling participants and victims of the war as its toll of blood and treasure grew year after year. In response to the hardships imposed upon their fellow citizens by the war, civilians on both sides mobilized to provide comfort, encouragement, and material, and began to expect that their government should do the same. Painting of civilians under fire during the Siege of Vicksburg Bird Monitoring at Palo Alto Battlefield Palo Alto Battlefield is known for its bird diversity. The park is home to several unique habitats providing birds a wealth of habitat types and food sources. Despite being a small park, Palo Alto Battlefield supports resident bird species and provides habitat for migratory species. Red summer tanager bird on a branch. The Changing War Begun as a purely military effort with the limited political objectives of reunification (North) or independence (South), the Civil War transformed into a social, economic and political revolution with unforeseen consequences. As the war progressed, the Union war effort steadily transformed from a limited to a hard war; it targeted not just Southern armies, but the heart of the Confederacy's economy, morale, and social order-the institution of slavery. Woodcut of spectators watching a train station set fire by Sherman's troops War Towns Between 1846 and 1850, hundreds of U.S. communities adopted names of battles, people, and places inspired by the U.S.-Mexican War. Some got their names from returning soldiers who wished to celebrate their deeds. In other cases, communities got their names from ordinary citizens who wanted to show their patriotism. All got their names from people who wanted to connect themselves and their places to an important national event. Color lithograph of of the city of Mexico, Audrian Co., Missouri 1869. Six Unusual Abraham Lincoln Facts and Rumors, Part II Facts 4-6 of Unusual and Unknown Lincoln Facts. President Abraham Lincoln National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Clay Pipe Mystery One of the more interesting artifacts on display at the Palo Alto Battlefield Visitor Center is a fragment of a clay pipe. The pipe bowl is largely intact and portrays a locomotive, fuel car and passenger car. Clay pipe with locomotive imprinted on it. Top Ten Tips for Visiting Palo Alto Battlefield Planning a visit to Palo Alto Battlefield? We think these tips will help you have a fun, memorable, and safe visit to the only unit of the National Park Service that interprets the U.S.-Mexican War. Replica light blue artillery piece overlooking the coastal prairie. Grant at Fort Donelson By 1862, Grant was a brigadier-general commanding over 27,000 troops. Grant decided to attack Fort Donelson to achieve his goal of capturing the Confederate stronghold of Nashville. Two story building with a porch on the first and second floors; two red brick chimneys on the side. Hydrology at Palo Alto Battlefield Palo Alto Battlefield is located within the Rio Grande Delta. It is a landscape characterized by low ridges and shortened meanders of former channels of the Rio Grande. These meanders, called resacas, once functioned as part of a vast distributary network during times of flood. Flooding on the coastal prairie after a recent heavy rain. Restoring the Cultural Landscape at Palo Alto Battlefield I will talk today about our efforts to restore the cultural landscape and how it impacts our visitor experience. Palo Alto Battlefield is the only national park that is dedicated to preserving and interpreting sites associated.with the US Mexican War, 1846 to 1848. Right now we have a Palo Alto Battlefield and Resaca de la Palma Battlefield and there is legislation in Congress to expand our boundary to include the earthen ruins of Fort Brown. Lithograph depicts Mexican and US soldiers in line formations at Palo Alto Battlefield. Grant at Lookout Mountain Although Grant considered the battle at Lookout Mountain nothing more than a small skirmish, the Union victory freed General Hooker to join the main assault on Missionary Ridge the following day and forced the Confederates to retreat to Georgia. Grant storming and capturing lookout mountain. Smoke fills the battlefield while soldiers do battle. Grant on the Eastern Front Grant’s initial assault on Petersburg ended with heavy casualties without any significant breakthroughs. Additional attempts also ended in failure. Facing a reinforced and entrenched enemy, Grant settled in for a siege, setting the stage for the longest and final major engagement of the Civil War. Rolling hills on Petersburg Battlefield today. Grant at Missionary Ridge As the sun rose on November 25, 1863, Ulysses S. Grant looked out from his field headquarters on Orchard Knob and saw his plan to take Missionary Ridge and defeat the Confederates at Chattanooga spring into action. Cannon on top of Missionary Ridge. Grant at Appomattox Court House On April 9th, General Grant and his mud-splattered staff arrived at Appomattox Court House. They were in stark contrast to General Lee in his new uniform. In a fine brick home, the two men discussed the surrender terms. Lee’s surrender was the symbolic end of the Civil War. Grant and Lee shaking hands at Appomatox courthouse. Grant at Palo Alto Battlefield Ulysses S Grant fought on the field of Palo Alto in the first battle of the war. He fought alongside 2,300 other U.S. troops against 3,400 Mexican soldiers. Learn about his experience at this site. United States of America and Mexico are in battle on the field of Palo Alto. Staff Spotlight: Jorge Hernandez Meet Jorge Hernandez, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator with Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Learn how he first got involved with the National Park Service as a volunteer, his journey with NPS, and advice for youth and young adults. Profile photo of Jorge Hernandez Series: The Odyssey of Ulysses An unknown 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S.-Mexican War later resigns the army. He rejoins and goes on to become lieutenant general of all Union armies. In his first term as President of the United States, he establishes Yellowstone National Park. From his first battle to his family home to his final resting place — the saga of Ulysses S. Grant is preserved in your National Parks. Color lithograph of Grant at the capture of the city of Mexico. Grant’s Resting Place On July 23, 1885, President Ulysses S. Grant died of throat cancer. Though he wanted to be buried at his alma mater, West Point, he rejected the idea because women could not be buried there. Instead, Grant had his wife, Julia Dent Grant, choose a burial site. She chose New York City, where the family had enjoyed living. White building with red, white, and blue decorative displays. Grant at Petersberg In January 1865, Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens and other Confederate officials approached Grant’s headquarters to discuss peace. They were escorted to a steamer where they waited for Union President Abraham Lincoln’s arrival. Despite his feelings, Grant was a gracious and courteous host. Ulysses S Grant's headquarters Grant at President’s Park Ulysses S. Grant began his residence at the executive mansion, now called the White House, on March 4, 1869. Flanked by regiments of Civil War veterans, including African American soldiers, his inauguration parade led him through cold and damp weather to Capitol Hill. The White House in 1846 Grant at Richmond Realizing he was fighting yet another stalemate, Grant looked towards Richmond. He set his sights on Old Cold Harbor, a key strategic area. For three days, the Union attacked. However, disorganization, unfamiliar terrain and battle-weary soldiers prevented them from breaking through the Confederate forces. Ulysses S Grant standing by a tree with a tent in the background. Grant at the Wilderness Grant hoped to march through a thickly wooded area known as the Wilderness so he could effectively use his cannon to fight on open ground near Spotsylvania Court House, Virginia. The outnumbered Confederates knew this and surprised Grant’s troops in the Wilderness thickets. Preserved dirt road cutting through the dense trees and brush. Grant at Vicksburg In May of 1863, Ulysses S. Grant marched towards the final goal of his campaign: Vicksburg. Taking this Southern stronghold would allow the Union to control the Mississippi River and boost Northern morale. After a series of battles, Grant’s troops forced General Pemberton’s Confederate army to retreat into the defenses surrounding Vicksburg. Battle of Milliken's Bend Grant and Yellowstone On March 1, 1872, Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, which made the area “a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” This landmark legislation created the first National Park and led to the creation of the National Park Service. A pool of water is in the foreground with a geyser erupting in the background. Grant at Fort Vancouver Following the US-Mexican War, Grant was shifted from post to post by the army. He married Julia Dent and celebrated the birth of his first child, but the need to protect the newly acquired Oregon Territory interrupted his relative domestic bliss. In the spring of 1852, Grant’s regiment was ordered West. Buildings and people outdoors Palo Alto Battlefield Continues Virtual Research Project Now in its second year, Palo Alto Battlefield's Virtual Student Federal Service project continues to provide valuable insight to the little-known story of Great Britain’s interest for preventing the U.S.-Mexican War. Photo portrait of a woman in a striped t-shirt. Grant at Fort Brown Two years after grading from West Point, 24-year-old Second Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant found himself on the frontlines of the U.S.-Mexican War. Arriving on the north bank of the Rio Grande at the end of March 1846, Grant and the rest of future president Zachary Taylor’s Army of Occupation quickly started constructing an earthwork that would come to be called Fort Brown. Major Jacob Brown mortally wounded by a cannonball during the siege at Fort Texas. Grant at White Haven In 1854, Ulysses S. Grant returned home after resigning from the army. For two years, he had endured isolation from his family and suffered depression from a number of business failures. He was elated to reunite with his wife, Julia Dent Grant, and two sons, one of whom he had never met. Together they lived with his parents- and sister-in-law. A house with a brick chimney and two cannons Palo Alto Battlefield Continues British Document Project A new pair of VSFS interns help the park tell a little-known story of Great Britain’s involvement in the final negotiations of the U.S.-Mexican War. VSFS intern Alena Buckley standing next to an astronaut display. Shaping the System Under President Jimmy Carter President Jimmy Carter oversaw one of the largest growths in the National Park System. Explore some of the parks that are part of the legacy of the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981. Historic photo of Jimmy Carter walking through a crowd at Harpers Ferry Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.