Rio Grande

The dams the reverse mentions came after a long fight. In 1893 promoters in the Mesilla Valley incorporated a private company to dam the river at Elephant Butte, while El Paso interests wanted a federal dam closer to them; the quarrel ran until 1904. The Reclamation Service signed a contract with the valley organizations on June 27, 1906, the Leasburg diversion was finished in 1908, and Elephant Butte began storing water in January 1915. The Rio Grande Compact of March 18, 1938, divided the river among Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historic Marker Rio Grande The Rio Grande (big river) has been an integral part of the history of New Mexico for thousands of years. Running through the entire state, it is both its backbone and lifeblood. It originates in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado and then forms the boundary between Texas and Mexico before spilling into the Gulf of Mexico. Over 1,800 miles long, it is one of the great rivers of the world. (Continued on opposite side) Official Scenic Historic Marker Rio Grande The Rio Grande has provided water for irrigated crops and sustenance to countless peoples who lived and traveled along its banks. The river flow through the Mesilla Valley is now highly channeled and controlled by several dams, the largest of which is Elephant Butte Dam, seventy miles north. Consequently, the river no longer changes course or floods as it frequently did in the past.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Mesilla Plaza — 3.2 mi
  A plaza laid out in 1848 by people who meant to stay in Mexico, American six years later, a stage stop and Civil War headquarters, and scene of a deadly political riot in 1871.

More markers nearby

• Doña Ana County Courthouse — 2.8 mi
• La Mesilla — 2.9 mi
• Las Cruces — 3.1 mi
• La Mesilla — 3.1 mi