Things to Do & Trip Ideas

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.

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.

Walk in the footsteps of history! Along your half-mile walk you will see a landscape very much like the one experienced by soldiers in 1846.

The story of the U.S.-Mexican War is complex. However, you can get a good handle on it with a half-day visit to the park and nearby sites.

The story of the U.S.-Mexican War is complex. However, if you have a full day to spend, visit the sites below in combination with any of our Half Day suggestions for a fuller picture of the conflict.