Science & Tech
4
The Rio Grande formed the valley before you, and its meandering course was established as the boundary between the United States and Mexico by treaty in 1848. The straight channel in the foreground is part of a unique international project in which the two nations joined hands in 1933 to peacefully rectify and stabilize their common boundary and relieve flood dangers in both countries. By cutting across the old meanders, the channel was straightened to reduce the river's torturous course from 155 to 86 miles, without loss of area to either country. The joint project was constructed and is maintained by the International Boundary and Water Commission and was conceived and engineered by commissioners L. M. Lawson for the United States and Gustavo P. Serrano for Mexico.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
El Paso, Texas · United States
NEARBY MARKERS
El Paso Lower Valley Missions/ Cordova Island/ The City and County of El Paso
History
The Franklin Mountains
Nature
Scenic Drive
Transportation
William Beaumont General Hospital /Biggs Air Force Base / Fort Bliss
Military
The Chamizal Settlement
Civics
Mount Cristo Rey/ The Gadsden Purchase/ El Paso Smelting Works
History
