Traditionally, the Rio Grande has served as the border between the nations of the United States and Mexico, but the Rio Grande shifted and what land now belonged to who became a matter of dispute for over a century. In a landmark act of diplomacy at the 1963 Chamizal Convention, the dispute was finally settled, and peacefully. This National Memorial commemorates the resolution.
Chamizal celebrates the culture of both countries, as well as that particularly borderland culture. Border region artists have their works displayed in three separate galleries: Los Paisanos Gallery, Abrazos Gallery, and the Borderland Gallery. In another expression of the artistic life of the borderlands, the Siglo de Oro Spanish Drama Festival is hosted here.
The original boundary markers of the border dot a line through the memorial. The land Chamizal National Memorial rests on belonged to Mexico before the resolution.
Visitors traveling east or west on I-10, exit at Hwy 54 and follow the brown Chamizal National Memorial directional signs.
If traveling south on Hwy 54, take exit marked Juarez, Mexico. Do not proceed onto the International Bridge of The America’‘s but turn right onto Paisano Street, continue to follow signs towards Chamizal.
Climate
Generally sunny with low humidity. Mild winters. Summers are very hot and dry.
The Cordova Island Trail is a 1.8-mile walking trail that encircles the 55-acre urban park. Views of the Franklin and Juarez Mountains, the El Paso downtown skyline and an international bridge can be seen from the trail.
Kids 6 to 11 can stop by our Visitor Center and become a Junior Ranger by completing a fun booklet.
