Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park preserves the site of the first major battle of the US–Mexican War, fought on May 8, 1846. The park consists of two sites, Palo Alto Battlefield and Resaca de la Palma Battlefield, totaling approximately 3,400 acres. The Mexican army occupied Resaca de la Palma, hoping the ravine filled with dense brush would protect the troops after their defeat at Palo Alto. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is the only National Park Service unit representing the  US–Mexican War, which resulted in Mexico ceding half of its land, extending the United States to the Pacific Ocean. “Palo alto” means “tall trees”; likely, the battlefield was named after the dense thickets of mesquite and acacia trees that were found across the prairie. The now serene landscape offers visitors an opportunity to learn about and reflect on a very turbulent time in the relationship between the two countries.