Long Live the Republic! Wayside

This wayside provides a brief overview of the makeup and formation of the Mexican battle line.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Brownsville, TX

Main Text

The 3,500 men of Mexico's Army of the North were primed and ready for a fight. Their battle line stretched about a mile, from here to the low tree-covered rise that you see in the distance.
The stage was set. General Arista had chosen both the place and the time for the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War.

Quote Text 

Moments before the fighting starts, the commander-in-chief rides along the line. One by one, he exhorts each regiment. He depicts to them the glory that they will achieve with a victory, and the thanks that they can expect from their fellow countrymen.

His words are received with enthusiasm. Flags flutter in the wind. Soldiers check their weapons and pat their steeds. The musicians play spirited war tunes. Shouts of "Viva la República!" fill the air, taking before the throne of an avenging God an offended nation's clamor for vengeance... ~ Ramón Alcaraz, staff officer, Mexican Army

Sub Text

Powerful squadrons of Mexican cavalry patrolled the prairie on the left and right flanks of the Army of the North. A battery of eight cannon sat near the center of the seven Mexican infantry regiments. Smaller cannon batteries also covered both ends of the Mexican battle line.

Image Description

Center 
Color lithograph depicting the Mexican Army infantry, artillery, and cavalry soldiers.