The last battle of the Civil War was fought at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville several weeks after the Confederacy's surrender. Brownsville also got caught in the crossfire of the Mexican-American War, that time at Palo Alto. Both battlefields have been preserved as National Historical Sites. Historic Brownsville Museum Housed in the historic Southern Pacific railroad passenger depot, this museum chronicles Brownsville's history with photo exhibits and other permanent and rotating exhibits. The Brownsville Heritage Education Center within the museum also presents slide shows, lectures and other special events.
Group tours are available with advance notice.
This satellite of The University of Texas-Pan American studies and exhibits marine life like mollusks, crustaceans and marine vertebrates along with plant life. 100 Marine Land Dr., Isla Blanca County Park, South Padre Island. This local wing of the CAF currently houses 15 airplanes in flying condition. Other exhibits are antique military vehicles, wea-pons and uniforms. An air show is hosted in March.