Silent Sentinel

A field cannon standing proud near a yucca tree along Mariano Arista's battle line at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site. The surrounding area is covered by very VERY sharp cord grass. This weed can very easily go through clothes (which I can attest too) and break your skin without a problem.

You can see a video of me demonstrating that here [link]

Makes you appreciate what the brave men on both sides went through. As if dodging cannon and musket fire wasn't bad enough, they had to wade chest deep in this stuff. Cord grass actually has this flammable oil in it and although green; this grass easily caught on fire during the battle.

Wish I can tell you what sort of cannon this is (ie how heavy the shot was) but sadly I don't know.

Palo Alto Battlefield is located just outside Brownsville, Texas and is totally free to the public. This is the ONLY national park dedicated solely to the Mexican American War. I encourage you all to go if you have the means too.

More info on the park can be found here. [link]





Enjoy