Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 19, 1960):
Here, on May 8, 1846, 2,300 U.S. Army soldiers led by Brig. Gen. Zachary Taylor engaged 3,300 Mexican troops under the command of Maj. Gen. Mariano Arista in the first of two important battles of the Mexican War founght on American soil. Galling fire from Taylor's artillery kept Mexican forces from reaching the American line. After the battle, the Mexican troops began their retreat to behind the Resaca de la Palma; Taylor's victory here made the invasion of Mexico possible.

Condition:
Most of the Palo Alto Battlefield NHS suffers from an unnaturally high representation of honey mesquite that has altered the cultural landscape and threatens other cultural and natural resources at the park. The central battlefield site has experienced widespread infestation by honey mesquite, requiring management action in order to preserve the cultural landscape for which the park was created.

Increase in infestation of honey mesquite. Two tracts of land were purchased by the Federal Government in June 2002. Currently, the Federal Government owns 1,314.77 acres; and private landowners own 2,092.69 acres. The Palo Alto Battlefield Visitor Center has been constructed onsite, along with the Battlefield Overlook and Overlook Trail.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Pursue land acquisition, particularly of the core battlefield still in private ownership. Implement the finalized environmental assessment for the management of honey mesquite throughout the site. Continue working with the City of Brownsville in order to implement zoning regulations designed to preserve the battlefield’s viewshed.