A Battle in our Backyard

A History of the Palo Alto Battle

The sign entering the park.

Looking throughout the history of the United States, it’s no questions that there is a significant part of history that is in the backyard of some people’s homes. Those who are fortunate to go to such places should thank those who served during times of great struggle and hardships. Looking at the battle through a historical point of view, it served as the beginning conflict between the United States and Mexico. The start of the conflict began in 1845, when the United States annexed Texas. President James K. Polk announced the Mexican government that they would extend the border of the two countries, which was the Nueces River, to the Rio Grande.

The land disputed in 1845.

            President of Mexico, José Joaquín Antonio de Herrera, rejected the notion and demanded that it remain at the Nueces River. President Polk sent representatives to Mexico to negotiate with President Herrera. The representatives were unsuccessful in persuading President Herrera and they returned to the United States with Texas still under heavy dispute of borders. President Polk feared that a war with Mexico was coming, so in December 1845, he dispatched General Zachary Taylor to the Rio Grande to fend off any Mexican forces. However, General Taylor did not go any further than Corpus Christi.

            On January 13, 1846, President Polk then order General Taylor to proceed to the Rio Grande. Meanwhile, Mexican forces were marching their way across the Rio Grande and stopped at Fort Brown, which is located at UTRGV Brownsville. Mexico sieged Fort Brown on May 9, 1846 and proceed into Brownsville. General Taylor heard word and prepared his men for Mexico’s arrival. On May 13, 1846, Mexico and the United States were at standstill in a small swap area a few miles from modern-day Brownsville. With artillery and cannons at the ready, the Battle of Palo Alto began.

           

A replica of Mexico's six-pound cannon.

The battle was fought at standstill with cannons doing most of the work. General Taylor made use of a new 18-pound cannon, which out matched Mexico’s six-pounders. The battle only lasted a day and resulted in a United States victory. Mexico began to retreat into Brownsville and the night would come and go. The very next day, General Taylor and the rest of his men continued their march into Brownsville and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma began, the United States would win this battle as well. Shortly after, President Polk declared war against Mexico, and so began the Mexican-American War.

The 18-pound replica on the United States side.

             The national park was preserved in 1915, in which it was also opened to the public. The park covers more than 3,400 acres and is maintained by the U.S. National Park Services. Guests are encouraged to walk along the ½ mile trail that spans around the park and cover many important details of the war. The guests can also go to the small visitor’s center in where they can watch a 15-minute video detailing the events of the war. Authentic guns and replicas of cannons, including the 18-pound cannon, are shown at full display in the center and around the park.

            Part of this great state is learning about the rich history of a complicated and longing war. United States and Mexico have since become allies from the war and continue to support each other through trades and tourism. Though the war took the lives of 111 men from both sides, it should be noted that the war and its legacy will not be forgotten in American, Mexican and Texas history.

A line of Mexican cannons.