Member-only story
South to Palo Alto Battlefield
National Historic Park
I wanted to check another National Park off the list, so today we headed south down Highway 77 and Interstate 69E towards Brownsville, Texas to the Palo Alto 1846 Battlefield National Historic Park just off 550.
The visitor center was open, as we arrived shortly after 9 am, and we immediately saw men in Mexican and American soldier uniforms. We entered the Visitor Center and found out that we had arrived on a day when there was a gun, ammo, and cannon demonstration.
What a treat it was to personally talk with the men. They were very knowledgeable about the Mexican-American War. On May 8, 1846, troops from both sides clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto in a dispute over the land. The Battle of Palo Alto was the first major battle of the Mexican-American War.
We listened intently as the men in uniform showed us their guns and ammo and explained the differences between the American guns and the Mexican guns. The American guns were better quality, easier to load, and had better accuracy. The Mexicans were using weapons that were older and harder to load.
We learned about their uniforms and how the American uniforms were simpler, easier to get on, and more practical. The Mexican uniforms were much more elaborate and heavier. Both were made of wool.
The actors explained in great detail some of the causes, events, and consequences of this war. We watched them shoot their guns and then watched as they shot the cannon. It was an impressive demonstration and I am glad we were able to be there for it.
