Recreation Hall

Recreation Hall in the Castolon Historic District

NPS PHOTO

Quick Facts

Location:

Along Ross Maxwell Road in Big Bend National Park, Texas

Significance:

The Castolon Historic District represents the largest and most complex example of human history in Big Bend, where the cultures of Mexico and the United States of America met in one rural community along the border.

Designation:

U.S. National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Historic District, HABS

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV

The recreation hall was built with funds donated by the Salvation Army and was intended to provide leisure time activities for soldiers stationed at the outpost of Camp Santa Helena. Life at Camp Santa Helena was isolated and left little opportunity for amusement for young soldiers. Wayne Cartledge later converted the recreation hall into a garage and workshop. It housed the electric generator that brought lights and power to the buildings in the compound. The recreation hall still serves as a utility building.