Congressman Vela Announces Passage of Legislation to Add Fort Brown to Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

Press Release

Yesterday, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) announced that the House passed H.R. 268, a bill he introduced to add the Fort Brown earthworks to the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville, Texas.

"Adding this piece of Fort Brown to the Palo Alto National Battlefield Historical Park helps tell our nation's story; it is critical to preserving history and honoring the lives lost in the battle that established our nation's border," said Congressman Vela. "I thank my colleagues in Congress for their support of my bill, as well as the National Park Service and local South Texas community leaders who have all played a role in this accomplishment."

The Fort Brown earthworks, originally known as Fort Texas, is the last remaining structure in the United States associated with the Mexican-American War. The military post played a crucial role during the Mexican-American War and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

The bill authorizes the transfer of property from the International Boundary and Water Commission to the National Park Service to be part of the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, which also includes the Resaca de la Palma Battlefield unit.

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