| Big Bend National Park Travel Planner | |
History, Geology, and Natural Resources:
For thousands of years people have inhabited the Big Bend region. Evidence of their occupation has been left behind in the form of pictographs (painted art) and petroglyphs (pecked or incised art) on rock walls, mortar holes along the river's bank, and remnant artifacts telling about the daily lives of the people who once called this area home.
The historic era at Big Bend (1535 AD - present) includes occupation by several Indian groups (including the Chisos, the Jumanos, the Apaches, and the Comanches), the Spanish explorations and the building of presidios (forts), and the subsequent occupation by Mexicans and Anglos.
Big Bend National Park was authorized by the U.S. Congress on June 20, 1935, and established as the 27th national park in the U.S. (and the first national park in Texas) on June 12, 1944. It was designated as a United States Biosphere Reserve in 1976.
Cultural History
Topics include archeology of the region, the Castalon and Hot Springs historic districts, Glenn Springs, Mariscal Mine, original settlers, traditional folk medicine, and more.
Geology
Learn about the complex geological history of Big Bend from the National Park Service.Natural Resources
Information on Big Bend's abundant wildlife and plant life from the National Park Service.Virtual Park Field Trip
A guide to the geological history and features of the Big Bend National Park area. Created for the Texas A&M University Department of Geology and Geophysics.
Big Bend National Park
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