Places

Mapping the Conflict

The lower Rio Grande Valley was the stage for much of the early action during the war. The armies of Zachary Taylor and Mariano Arista battled each other several times in these early stages. The clashes ranged from the riverside action at Rancho de Carricitos to the artillery duel at Palo Alto. Both armies fought desperately for control of the area. The series of battles would leave Zachary Taylor’s army primed to pursue a prolonged campaign in northern Mexico.

 

• 

  Rancho de Carricitos

  A brief skirmish at the tiny settlement of Rancho de Carricitos ignited a two-year war between the U.S. and Mexico.

• 

  Fort Texas

  Zachary Taylor's riverside fort withstood a six-day siege. The city of Brownsville, Texas, would grow up around it.

• 

  Palo Alto Battlefield

  The prairie of Palo Alto was naturally suited for the first battle of the U.S.-Mexican War.

• 

  Resaca de la Palma Battlefield

  In contrast to the Battle of Palo Alto, the clash at Resaca de la Palma was mainly an infantry battle.