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Palmito Ranch Battlefield

Brownsville, Texas
County of Cameron.
South of TX State Highway 4 (Boca Chica Highway)
National Register Number: 93000266
Resource type: District.
Property type: Defense - battle site. The threat level was Watch in
2004.
Congressional District: TX-27 Certified Local Government: YES
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Statement of Significance (as of designation - September 25, 1997):
The battle at Palmito Ranch was the last of the Civil War, fought a month after Lee's surrender. With the defeat, the Confederates lost their access to trade with Mexico and Europe through ships anchored in the Gulf of Mexico off the mouth of the Rio Grande.

Condition:
Threats to portions of the battlefield managed by the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, including much of the core area, have been reduced with increased staffing of the Refuge Law Enforcement Program.

A plan by the Brownsville Navigation District to develop an International Truck and Rail Port of Entry (Bridge) just east of the battlefield has been placed on hold.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Staff of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site completed the Battlefield Core Area Report, Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark, Cameron County Texas, on July 8, 1999. This should assist in management of the area.


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