Historic Photos

Natt N. Dodge

Natt Dodge, a park service biologist, visited the Big Bend area a number of times between 1944 and 1949, and took a variety of photographs while he was here. These color images provide a glimpse of the appearance and condition of Big Bend in its early years as a National Park.

All photographs by Natt N. Dodge, courtesy of the National Park Service Historic Photograph Collection.

 

Civilian Conservation Corps

From 1934-37 and 1940-42, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) operated a camp in the Chisos Basin, developing facilities for the future national park. These photographs capture the life and work of the men who served in the camp.

 

Robert T. Hill

In October 1899, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) geologist Robert T. Hill led a six man expedition to explore and document the canyons of the Rio Grande. Hill's photographs capture Big Bend just before the twentieth century.

All photos are in the collection of the U.S. Geological Survey Photographic Library.