Chamizal National Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chamizal National Memorial |
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Visitor Center at Chamizal National Memorial
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 Chamizal National Memorial
Location in Texas
Chamizal National Memorial
Location in the United States
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| Location | Paisano Dr., El Paso, Texas, USA |
| Area | 54.90 acres (22.22 ha) |
| Established | February 4, 1974 |
| Visitors | 104,148 (in 2012) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Chamizal National Memorial |
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Chamizal National Memorial
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| Built | 1848 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002069 |
| Added to NRHP | February 2, 1974 |
Chamizal National Memorial is a special park located in El Paso, Texas. It sits right along the international border between the United States and Mexico. This memorial is a National Park Service site that celebrates how these two countries peacefully solved a long-standing border problem called the Chamizal Dispute.
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About Chamizal National Memorial
The Chamizal National Memorial is a park that covers about 55 acres (22 hectares). It's a busy cultural center with lots to see and do. You can explore art galleries, watch shows in a theater, or enjoy outdoor performances in an amphitheater.
Learning About the Border Dispute
Inside the visitor center, there's a museum. This museum tells the story of the U.S.–Mexico border. It especially focuses on the Chamizal dispute. This was a disagreement that lasted over 100 years!
How the Chamizal Dispute Started
The problem began because the Rio Grande river naturally changed its path. This river forms part of the border between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. When the river moved, it created confusion about which country owned certain pieces of land.
Solving the Border Problem Peacefully
The Chamizal dispute was finally settled in a peaceful way. This happened through an agreement called the Chamizal Convention of 1963. This agreement decided which parts of the disputed land belonged to the United States and which belonged to Mexico. The Chamizal National Memorial was created on the land given to the U.S. A similar park, called Parque Público Federal "El Chamizal," was made on the Mexican side.
The International Boundary and Water Commission
The Chamizal Convention was worked out by the International Boundary and Water Commission. This group was formed in 1889 to help manage the border. They also work on agreements about sharing river water, controlling floods, and keeping water clean for both nations.
History of the Memorial
The idea for the Chamizal National Memorial was approved on June 30, 1966. It officially became a part of the National Park Service on February 4, 1974. On the same day, it was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Visiting the Memorial
The park grounds are open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, the park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Visitor Center and Galleries
The visitor center and art galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office Hours and Fees
The administration office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. There are fees if you want to use the theater or if you have a picnic group of 50 people or more.
See also
In Spanish: Memorial nacional de El Chamizal para niños
