• Flying artillery crew in action.

    Palo Alto Battlefield

    National Historical Park Texas

Our Staff & Offices

Superintendent

The superintendent of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is the top park official, responsible for managing and supervising all park operations and activities. In addition, the superintendent's office oversees the park's community relations and manages park partnerships with local, state, and federal groups and organizations.

Superintendent - Mark Spier

Contact: 956-541-2785 x222 e-mail us

Administration

Divisions within the park include administration, interpretation, facility management, resource management, and resource and visitor protection. A division chief heads each division.

The Administration Division acts as the "business office" for Palo Alto. Its principal functions include human resources, purchasing, property management, budget administration, contracting, housing matters, payroll, technology support (personal computers and telephone system), and mail.

Administrative Officer - Oralia Fernandez

Contact: 956-541-2785 x223 e-mail us

Interpretation

The Interpretation Division is responsible for information, education, and interpretive programs and services provided to park visitors. The division manages park publications, interpretive exhibits, and visitor center operations. The Interpretive Division provides a variety of visitor services including ranger-led tours, special events, living history programs, and curriculum-based education programs for school field trips.

Chief of Interpretation - Douglas Murphy

Contact: 956-541-2785 x330 e-mail us

Facility Management

The Facility Management Division maintains all roads, trails, buildings, utilities, grounds, vehicles, and other physical facilities in the park to assure their safe use. The division also manages construction and rehabilitation projects to support Palo Alto's operation.

Chief of Operations - Douglas Murphy

Contact: 956-541-2785 x330 e-mail us

Resource Management

The Resource Management Division provides guidance to park management on all matters related to natural and cultural resources. The division conducts or oversees studies on physical, biological, and cultural resources. The division also maintains the park's museum collection.

Resource Manager - Rolando Garza

Contact: 956-541-2785 x331 e-mail us

Did You Know?

Battle of Palo Alto

Joseph K. Barnes, a surgeon with the U.S. army on the Rio Grande in 1846 later became Surgeon General of the United States.  He tended to Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield on the occasions when those Presidents were mortally wounded by assassins.