Wayside: Leaders for the Ages

Interpretive panel standing in front of the sculpture entitled, "Benito Juárez - Child to Man."

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Edge of plaza in front of the park's cultural center

Significance:

Interpretive waside exhibit

Amenities

4 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

An interpretive panel at this wayside features scuptural representations of US President Abraham Lincoln and Mexican President Benito Juárez. While working to resolve the century-long Chamizal dispute in the 1960s, US and Mexican presidents drew inspiration from Lincoln and Juárez. These men remain cultural icons in the United States and Mexico. Mexico erected a statue of Abraham Lincoln in 1964 in Ciudad Juárez. In 2022, Ethan Houser's sculpture entitled, "Benito Juárez - Child to Man", was installed on this plaza.

Interpretive Panel Text

The "Leaders for the Ages" wayside panel presents text in both English and Spanish.

“Lincoln commanded my nation to do all which may achieve a just and lasting peace. Juárez reminded us respect for the rights of others is peace. The goals of these men have guided us to this day.”
President Lyndon Baines Johnson
September 25, 1964

Left-hand Photo

A towering statue of Abraham Lincoln stands about 2 miles to our south in Ciudad Juárez. A large, stone base supports the standing Lincoln who holds a document in his left hand. His right arm gestures outward as though he is giving a speech.  

Central Photo and Caption

In the central photo two men in business suits approach each other to shake hands in front of a shiny obelisk and a large group of people. The caption reads, “US President Johnson and Mexican President López Mateos commemorate the Chamizal Treaty. This celebration took place at the old Bowie High School on September 25, 1964.”

Right-hand Photo

Ethan Houser stands in a studio, sculpting a larger-than-life, seated Benito Juárez.