The first battle of the U.S.-Mexican War was fought near the northeast area of the present corner of FM 511 and FM 1847. More than 8,000 American and Mexican soldiers fought at Palo Alto on May 8, 1846, in territory disputed by the two nations. The battle is remembered from the point of view of both countries, and it stands as evidence that respect, understanding, and peace, not war, should be the goals of all nations.