Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is located in Texas, USA. It lies between Brownsville and Harlingen and is situated in the Rio Grande Valley. It is famous for being the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War in 1846.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Location Map,Brownsville, Texas
Texas Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
- Battlefield Site – Historic grounds where the first major battle of the Mexican-American War took place.
- Visitor Center – Exhibits and information on the battle, military history, and local heritage.
- Interpretive Trails – Walking paths with signs detailing troop movements and historical events.
- Monuments & Markers – Commemorative structures honoring soldiers and key moments of the battle.
- Picnic Areas – Designated spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the park setting.
- Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see native birds, small mammals, and prairie flora.
- Educational Programs – Ranger-led talks and guided tours explaining historical and cultural significance.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Facts
| Official Name | Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park |
| Location | Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, USA — Rio Grande Valley, near Mexico–U.S. border |
| Latitude & Longitude | 25.9361° N, 97.5140° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 1,200 acres (≈4.9 km²) |
| Established / Opened | Designated as a National Historical Park in 2009 (previously Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site in 1978) |
| Managed By | United States National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Rio Grande Valley / South Texas / Cameron County |
| Address | Palo Alto Battlefield NHP, 1 Palo Alto Drive, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA |
| Zip Code | 78521 |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Historical battlefield preservation, Mexican–American War site, education, memorial, outdoor recreation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Visitor Center & Museum, Battlefield Grounds, Walking Trails, Memorial Markers, Interpretive Exhibits |
| Famous Attractions | Battlefield monument, interpretive trails, exhibits on the 1846 Battle of Palo Alto, educational programs, commemorative events |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 30,000–50,000 visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public access |
| Ticket Price Range | Free; donations accepted |
| Ticket Options | Self-guided tours, educational programs, ranger-led tours (seasonal), battlefield trails |
| Best Time to Visit | Fall–Spring for mild temperatures; avoid peak summer heat |
| Nearby Airport | Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) – 15 miles (24 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via TX-48 and local roads, walking trails, limited public transport, parking available at visitor center |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/paal/index.htm |
Distances from Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park to Nearby Landmarks
- Brownsville, TX Downtown – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Resaca de la Palma Battlefield – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Gladys Porter Zoo – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Rio Grande Valley Museum – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- South Padre Island – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Port Isabel Lighthouse – 45 km (28 mi)
- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Harlingen, TX – 50 km (31 mi)
- Valley International Airport – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Los Fresnos, TX – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge – 55 km (34.2 mi)
- Palms Village Shopping Center – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Gladys Porter Zoo Botanical Gardens – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Brownsville Historic District – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Resaca Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Old Port Isabel – 45 km (28 mi)
- Southmost Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Charro Ranch – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Frontera Audubon Sanctuary – 50 km (31 mi)
- Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge – 35 km (21.7 mi)
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