History of Palo Alto Battlefield and Laguna Atascosa

Plaque with a brief description of the battle at Palo Alto.

Lecture by Dr, Ramirez about the history of the battle at Palo Alto.  The professor is sitting on top of  a gribeauval style Mexican cannon.  A major factor  why the Americans won the battle at Palo Alto is because their artillery was light, more readily mobile and efficient compared to the behemoths the Mexican army used.  

Laguna Atascosa used to be a military installation during the early 20th century.  Photo of a coastal prairie at the refuge.  

In 1946 the once military installation was converted into a national wildlife refuge by the migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Photo of the largest laguna at Laguna Atascosa. 

A Green Jay and  common grackle roosting.