Historic Fence Posts Get a Facelift

Date: May 11, 2017
Contact: Anne Doherty-Stephan, 915-532-7273x124

Visitors to Chamizal National Memorial and passing motorists on Paisano Drive will notice that something is happening on the park grounds. The caution tape and construction equipment are part of a project to maintain the cement fence posts along the northwest corner of the park. These twenty-seven obelisks are a remnant of the fence installed by the Mexican government around Cordova Island, and they serve as a physical reference point on the landscape and reminder of the historic US -Mexico boundary dispute with its peaceful resolution. While workers are resurfacing the posts, the trail that runs beside them will be closed. The project is expected to be completed by May 19, but if your plans to visit include walking or jogging along that section of the trail, please call ahead or check the park’s website before you come. To learn more about the historic fence, Cordova Island, and the Chamizal story, stop by and browse the history exhibit in the Cultural Center any day of the week between 10 am and 5 pm.

Over the next couple of weeks, visitors to Chamizal National Memorial will also observe other maintenance projects happening around the grounds and buildings. Sections of the irrigation system are being replaced around the park over the next two weeks. Visitors should observe and stay outside of work areas marked by barricades and caution tape.
Another project coming soon to Chamizal National Memorial is the replacement of the front doors to the Cultural Center. The doors are currently in fabrication and will be installed in the coming weeks. While we hope to keep visitor impact to a minimum, please check for caution alerts or closure notices on our website and Facebook @ChamizalNationalMemorial.

For more information, please email or call Anne_Doherty-Stephan at 915-532-7273 ext.124. For general information and our calendar of events, visit our website, www.nps.gov/chamizal.

Chamizal National Memorial: El Paso’s national park, where history and culture come to life.