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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Big Bend National ParkEverett Townsend on the rim of Santa Elena Canyon, 1930s
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Big Bend National Park
Historic Documents

From Big Bend's past, these documents provide a glimpse into the by-gone days of the park. These historical publications are freely distributed by the National Park Service. All require Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing.

 
Big Bend National Park Project, 1940 cover

The Big Bend National Park Project, 1940
This document provides an introduction to the possible park area, a discussion of projected park facilities (including a CCC-built lodge in the Chisos Basin and a dude ranch at K-Bar), and photographs and drawings showcasing the geology of the region.
Read it! [5.32mb PDF file]

 
Cover of official park brochure, 1944

Official Park Brochure, 1944
Brochure produced for visitors during Big Bend's first year of operations. Provides an overview of natural and cultural history as well as the recommendation that, "those who visit . . . should be prepared to camp, bring their own food, bedding, and tents."
Read it! [1.41mb PDF file]

 
Cover of 1953 Backcountry Guide

The Backcountry, 1953
Written by Chief Ranger George Sholly and Etta Koch, this document was the park's first attempt to provide guidelines to visitors for backcountry use. Note: many of the rules included in this document have changed dramatically in the fifty years since this was written.
Read it! [1.01mb PDF file]

 
Cover of the Lost Mine Trail Guide, 1956

Lost Mine Trail Guide, 1956
Brochure for the park's oldest self-guiding trail. Includes a telling of the legend of the Lost Mine as well as vintage travel recommendations.
Read it! [1.68mb PDF file]

 
Image of document

Visitor Information, 1957
Mimeograph page of basic visitor information. Includes descriptions of park facilities and attractions, with a number of differences as compared to the modern experience.
Read it! [2.01mb PDF file]

 
Image of document

Living in Big Bend, 1958
Mimeographed handout intended for National Park Service employees moving to the Big Bend. Includes descriptions of park facilities existing at the time and explores the difficulties of living at an isolated park. and attractions, with a number of differences as compared to the modern experience.
Read it! [1.72mb PDF file]
Desolate desert graves  

Did You Know?
Today, Big Bend National Park hosts more than 300,000 visitors a year, but its land and climate can still be unyielding to the uninitiated. Be prepared for the unexpected. Remember, Big Bend is still a wild land and you are on nature's terms here.
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Last Updated: July 11, 2009 at 15:11 EST