Ojinaga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ojinaga
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Town
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North to border crossing on Blv. Libre Comercio in Ojinaga
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 Ojinaga
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State | Chihuahua |
| Municipality | Ojinaga |
| Elevation | 800 m (2,600 ft) |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 28,040 |
Ojinaga (also known as Manuel Ojinaga) is a town in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is also the main town of the Ojinaga municipality. In 2015, about 28,040 people lived there.
Ojinaga is a rural town located right on the U.S.-Mexico border. Across the border, in Texas, is the city of Presidio. The Río Conchos river flows into the Río Grande (which is called Rio Bravo in Mexico) in Ojinaga. This area is known as La Junta de los Rios. Ojinaga and Presidio are connected by two bridges: the Presidio-Ojinaga International Bridge for cars and the Presidio–Ojinaga International Rail Bridge for trains.
Contents
History of Ojinaga
Early Beginnings and Spanish Arrival
Ojinaga was first settled around the year 1200 by Pueblo Native Americans. Later, other groups who spoke Uto-Aztecan languages joined them. The first Spanish explorers, led by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, visited Ojinaga in 1535. You can learn more about the people who lived there then by looking up La Junta Indians.
Ojinaga During the Mexican Revolution
During the Mexican Revolution, Ojinaga was the site of an important fight called the Battle of Ojinaga. This battle happened between the revolutionary forces of Pancho Villa and government troops led by Pascual Orozco. After a long fight, Orozco's troops were defeated, and he had to leave Mexico for the United States. The famous American writer Ambrose Bierce might have died in Ojinaga during this time, but no one is completely sure.
Culture and Music in Ojinaga
Ojinaga has kept its rural feel and natural environment. It does not have many of the pollution or city problems that larger places might have. The town is famous for its norteño-sax music. Many well-known bands and artists from this music style come from Ojinaga. These include Conjunto Primavera, Los Rieleros del Norte, and Polo Urías. Other popular groups are Los Jilgueros del Arroyo, Los Norteños de Ojinaga, Los Pescadores del Río Conchos, and Los Diamantes de Ojinaga.
Geography and Location
Ojinaga's Border Location
Ojinaga is located right on the Río Grande river, which forms the border between the state of Chihuahua in Mexico and the U.S. state of Texas. Because of its location, Ojinaga is an important place for trade and travel between the two countries.
The "La Entrada al Pacífico" Trade Route
A special project called "La Entrada al Pacífico" (which means "The Entrance to the Pacific") aims to make Ojinaga and Presidio, Texas, a major trade corridor. This route would connect Mexico and the U.S. for easier movement of goods. The route goes all the way to the Odessa-Midland area in Texas. To help with the increasing amount of traffic crossing the border, the port of entry in Presidio, Texas, has been updated. New lanes have been added especially for large trucks.
Economy of Ojinaga
Ojinaga is a central place for the farms and ranches in the area. It provides support and a market for the surrounding communities. Even though it is on the border, Ojinaga has not seen a lot of growth from maquiladoras (factories that assemble products for export). However, some companies have set up plants here. For example, Selkirk makes chimney and air products, and Solitaire Homes builds prefabricated homes.
About 15,000 acres (60 square kilometers) of land are used for farming. The largest part of this land is used for raising cattle. Farmers also grow crops like soy, cotton, corn, wheat, onions, peanuts, cantaloupes, and other vegetables. The area also has natural mineral deposits, including lead, silver, coal, zinc, manganese, marble, and uranium.
Notable People from Ojinaga
- Conjunto Primavera - A popular norteño-sax band
- Los Rieleros del Norte - Another famous norteño-sax band
- Norteños de Ojinaga - A norteño-sax band
- Polo Urias - A well-known Mexican singer
- Victor Leaton Ochoa - A revolutionary and inventor
See also
In Spanish: Ojinaga para niños
