Point of Rocks Tank facts for kids

The Point of Rocks Tank was once a dam and a reservoir (a place where water is collected and stored) in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Today, this old water storage area is broken. It sits at an elevation of 4,344 feet (about 1,324 meters). You can find it about three miles south of a place called Point of Rocks.

What Was Point of Rocks Tank?

The Point of Rocks Tank was a structure built to hold water. It worked like a dam, which blocks a river or stream to create a reservoir. This reservoir would have collected water, likely from Rincon Arroyo, a small stream or dry creek bed. In dry areas like New Mexico, having places to store water was very important for travelers and settlers.

Where is it Located?

This historic site is found in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. It's part of a landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and arroyos (dry stream beds that fill with water only after heavy rain). The tank is situated near a landmark known as Point of Rocks, which is in a different county, Sierra County, New Mexico. Its location was key because it was along an important old trail.

A Historic Water Stop

Historians believe that the area where Point of Rocks Tank was built might have been one of the Los Charcos del Perrillo. This Spanish name means "The Puddles of the Little Dog." These were two natural waterholes that were very important. They were part of a famous stopping place called the Paraje del Perrillo. A "paraje" was a designated stop or campsite along old travel routes, often chosen for its access to water or shelter.

The Jornada del Muerto Trail

The Paraje del Perrillo was a crucial stop on the Jornada del Muerto. This was a very long and dangerous section of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a historic trade route that connected Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Jornada del Muerto, meaning "Journey of the Dead Man," was known for being a dry, waterless stretch of desert about 90 miles long. Travelers, including Spanish explorers, soldiers, and settlers, had to cross this harsh land. Waterholes like Los Charcos del Perrillo were lifesavers, providing the only water for people and their animals for many miles. The Point of Rocks Tank, even if built later, continued this tradition of providing vital water in a challenging environment.