Palo Alto Battlefield NHP is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of FM 1847 and FM 511, approximately five miles north of Brownsville. The Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL core battlefield area [site of Park Day activities] is located 16.3 miles east of Brownsville on State Highway 4 (Boca Chica Hwy).
The Texas Historical Commission (THC), in conjunction with local co-hosts the Cameron County Historical Commission (CHC); Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (NHP); the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Texas Refuge Complex; and with support from the Brownsville Historical Association will host Park Day for Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark (NHL), known as the last land battle of the American Civil War. Starting at 9:30 a.m., Palo Alto Battlefield NHP will serve as the site host for Park Day registration; there attendees will witness a U.S.-Mexico War living history demonstration. Following the morning session attendees will relocate to Palmito Ranch Battlefield for Park Day.
Experience the sights and sounds of the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexico War during a morning living history demonstration. Afterward attendees will participate in Park Day activities including a trash pick-up, historic interpretation of the battle, and a display of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation efforts at the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge at Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL. The morning’s session will be held at Palo Alto Battlefield NHP’s Visitor Center. Park Day will then be held at Palmito Ranch Battlefield (maps to the core battlefield area will be distributed during the morning’s orientation).
Park Day is an annual event sponsored by the Civil War Trust and the History Channel, which seeks volunteers to clean and repair the grounds of Civil War battlefields. At each site, volunteers receive a free T-shirt and patches (while supplies last), and have the opportunity to hear historians interpret the battle. Palmito Ranch Battlefield NHL lies in the Texas Tropical Trail Region, which showcases the heritage, natural beauty, and rich culture of South Texas for the benefit and enjoyment of Texans and travelers.
