Three Hundred Supply Wagons Wayside

This wayside provides an overview of the U.S. wagon train present at the Battle of Palo Alto.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Brownsville, TX

Main Text 

Imagine the open prairie before you filled as far as the eye can see with 300 army supply wagons. Under the canvas tops were tons of food, weapons, and ammunition- enough to keep 2,800 soldiers going for about four months.

These vital — and vulnerable supplies caught the eyes of both commanders. General Taylor placed his wagons behind the battle line. He kept his foot soldiers close to his supplies and  relied on his artillery. Hammered by the American cannon, Mexican General Arista ordered cavalry charge after cavalry charge, trying to destroy his enemies' train.

Quote Text 

If the General had only have let [our] infantry charge we should have put on the finishing stroke, but the General is a very cautious man, and would not leave his train. ~ John Porter Hatch, 2nd lieutenant, 3rd Infantry Regiment

The transport-service consisted…of four-wheeled wagons, each drawn by six mules, and...carrying about 2000 pounds....Operating chiefly in a country destitute of supplies...the train…consisted of upwards of 300 wagons. There were, therefore, two objects before the General — one to give battle to the enemy, the other to protect this tram. ~ George Deas, 1st lieutenant, 5th Infantry Regiment

Image Description

Center
Historical depiction of mounted U.S. dragoons and an officer guarding the U.S. supply wagon train.