El Paso, TX

Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso

Address: 800 South San Marcial St., El Paso, TX 79903 - MAP
Phone: (915) 532-7273
Web: www.nps.gov

The Chamizal National Memorial commemorates the treaty of 1963 that put an end to a 99-year old boundary dispute between the U.S. and Mexico.

The area includes a memorial, along with an amphitheater and a 500-seat auditorium. Activities include a 1.8 mile hike on the Cordova Island trail that encircles the 55-acre urban park. The natural beauty of the area is in full view, with the Franklin and Juarez mountains looming in the horizon, the downtown skyline of El Paso and the International Bridge to Mexico.

Originally, the Rio Grande River was the natural border between U.S. and Mexico. But after heavy flooding in the mid 1800's, the river shifted and the land disputes arose.

The Chamizal Treaty, as it is known, was signed in 1963 and ended the long running dispute.

The 55-acre park is known as the "peace park" and was created as part of the treaty to celebrate the understanding and agreement between the two nations.