Members of the International Park Commission pose in volcanic badlands near Castolon, 1936.
Big Bend, with its long and rich cultural history, is home to many stories, tales and legends. While almost all the stories told contain some degree of truth and authenticity many of the tales and legends from the region are probability more fiction then fact.
Human history in this harsh desert environment is a complex blend of cultures, boundaries, and the limits of economic and personal adventures.
On-line books Read all about Big Bend's history... more...
Talk like a local Learn how Big Bend place names are properly pronounced. more...
Texas' Gift to the Nation Learn more about how Big Bend was established. more...
Did You Know?
Elevation is everything at Big Bend National Park. The lowest point in the park is Rio Grande village, at 1,850' (564m) and the highest point is Emory Peak at 7,832' (2,387m). This variation in elevation is nearly 6,000 feet, and influences plant and animal distribution as well as temperature.
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