Plan Your Trip To Chamizal National Memorial
Are you interested in history? Are you looking for a distinctly urban, but uniquely educational, national park experience? Are you curious about different cultures? Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas, should be the next park on your list. Read on to learn more about the importance of this national memorial and learn how to plan your trip to this important site.
The Culture of the Borderlands
Chamizal National Memorial is located on the Rio Grande River, on the United States-Mexico Border near Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The park is also on the ancestral and contemporary homelands of many Indigenous peoples, including the Suma, Piro, Jano, Jacome, Manso, Jumano, Jornada, Comanche, Kiowa, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the Lipan, Chiricahua, and Mescalero Apache.
All of these groups inhabit the borderlands, resulting in a unique and vibrant culture that is influenced by many different heritages. The Rio Grande is important to many of these groups. The river also serves as both a natural border between the United States and Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago also proclaimed that the Rio Grande was the official international border between the two nations, with the land north of the river belonging to the United States, and the land south of it belonging to Mexico. However, the shifting nature of the river resulted in several international disagreements, one of which was the Chamizal dispute.
A Shifting Boundary
Due to differences in rainfall, erosion, and flooding, the Rio Grande river has changed course throughout history. Because the river served as an international boundary, this also meant that what land belonged to which country would also change as the river fluctuated.
Depending on the time of year, the residents of the Rio Grande’s floodplain would technically be living in a different country–even though their physical location had not changed. For those living on the border, this meant difficulty determining who owned what pieces of property, which nation they belonged to, and which laws they were subject to. One of these places was an area of farmland in the Rio Grande’s floodplain called El Chamizal.
In 1895, the nation of Mexico laid formal claim to the Chamizal. Mexico’s claim led to counterclaims by the United States as both nations attempted to determine which communities and resources within the floodplain belonged to them, and how to establish a firm international boundary. Over many decades, the negotiations, arbitrations, and disagreements continued to escalate.
A Peaceful Resolution
In 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson and López Mateos peacefully ended the disagreement by signing the Chamizal Treaty of 1963. As a result of the treaty, a concrete channel was constructed to contain the Rio Grande, creating a “solid” and immovable border out of a naturally flowing one. Land south of the channel was given to Mexico, while land north of the channel was given to the United States. The enforcement of this treaty affected communities and businesses in Chamizal, as families living in the area were forced to relocate.
Chamizal National Memorial is located on the land that used to belong to Mexico before the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American war . The celebrations at and around the cultural center aim to promote cross-cultural understanding, international friendships, and showcase the vibrant and diverse cultures of the borderlands.
Things to Do at Chamizal National Memorial
Chamizal National Memorial is a fee-free park, so you do not have to pay to enter. It offers something for all ages. Some things to do at the memorial include:
- Walking through a museum exhibit showing the history and cultural significance of the Chamizal Treaty
- Visiting the “Nuestra Herencia” mural
- Attending a ranger-led program or participating in the park’s Junior Ranger program
- Walking or biking on the 1.5 mile paved loop trail
- Picnicking
- Attending a cultural event
- Visiting the park store
Chamizal National Memorial is open to dogs, although only service animals are allowed within the cultural center. The park is also accessible via public transportation, making it a great place to stop by during your trip to El Paso, Texas.
Explore the Sun City: Visiting El Paso, Texas
Located on the Rio Grande, El Paso is the gateway to Chamizal National Memorial. This cultural capital is known for its music festivals, outdoor recreation, cultural exhibitions, and delicious food.
Within three miles of Chamizal National Memorial, you can visit the El Paso Botanical Garden and Zoo, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the El Paso Museum of History.
Within El Paso, you can visit the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Museum, or dine at one of the many restaurants in the area. El Paso is also part of the El Paso and New Mexico Wine trail.
On the city outskirts, you can exploring over 100 miles of hiking trails or one of the many state parks, including Franklin Mountain State Park or Hueco Tanks State Park and Historical Site;
You can also plan your trip during one of the city’s many outdoor festivals, such as the Neon Desert Music Festival, the Texas Showdown Festival (billed as the largest tattoo and music festival in the world), the Sun City Music Festival, or the El Paso Balloonfest.
Know Before You Go
Make the most of your trip to Chamizal National Memorial by keeping the following in mind while planning:
- Many of these park’s attractions are indoors. Be sure to check the visitor center hours before you go.
- Parking is available, but the memorial is also accessible via public transportation. You can walk to the park from the Sun Metro stop at Paisano Drive and South San Marcial Street.
- The park is located on the US – Mexico border. Be sure to read signs carefully and pay attention to directions.
- Dogs are allowed in the park, but only service animals are allowed inside.
- Large groups who want to attend a ranger-led group tour must call in advance to schedule their tour.
- Teachers, call the visitor center or email the park to schedule a field trip. Check out the WNPA educator grant for support.
- Be sure to call the visitor center, check the park event calendar, or follow Chamizal National Memorial on social media to get information on upcoming park events.
Packing List
It’s a good idea to pack good walking shoes, food, and plenty of water during your visit to Chamizal. Be sure to bring any items you may want for a picnic or enjoying the urban walking and bike paths inside the park as well. Keep in mind that El Paso is in a dry, desert climate which can get very hot during the summer months.
Bringing water is always recommended. If you are spending time outside, sun protection, including a hat, long sleeved shirt and pants, and sunscreen, are important too.
Visiting Chamizal National Memorial is a great opportunity to learn more about the landmark treaty agreement between Mexico and United States. Since Chamizal is located in El Paso, Texas, you can also visit other local attractions in the area, or add it as a stop on a road trip through the American Southwest.
Looking for other parks to add to your visit to Texas? El Paso is also within driving distance of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Just be sure to stop at Chamizal National Memorial during your trip through the American Southwest. You won’t want to miss it.
By Nikki Stavile
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