Chamizal National Memorial

Chamizal National Memorial
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Chamizal National Memorial is located in El Paso, Texas, along the United States-Mexico border. It was established on August 30, 1966, to commemorate the peaceful resolution of the border dispute between the two countries.

The historical background of Chamizal National Memorial dates back to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War. The treaty designated the Rio Grande as the boundary between Mexico and the United States. However, due to changes in the river's course, the border shifted, resulting in a dispute over land ownership. The dispute was particularly focused on the Chamizal area, where residents found themselves in a legal limbo, neither truly Mexican nor American.

After almost a century of tensions and negotiations, a settlement was reached in 1963. The Mexican and American governments agreed to establish the Chamizal National Memorial as a symbol of their friendship and as a joint effort to resolve the border dispute peacefully. The memorial was created to celebrate the shared history, culture, and friendship between the two nations.

When visiting Chamizal National Memorial, visitors can explore its museum to learn about the history and significance of the border dispute and the subsequent resolution. The museum features exhibits that highlight the cultural heritage of the region, the efforts made towards diplomacy, and the stories of the people affected by the border dispute.

The park also offers outdoor recreational opportunities. The Memorial Park, with its well-maintained picnic areas and walking paths, provides a peaceful retreat amidst the urban environment. There is also a scenic amphitheater where visitors can enjoy free performances and cultural events throughout the year.

Nearby, in the thriving city of El Paso, visitors can explore a variety of attractions. The El Paso Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of fine art, including works by renowned artists like Diego Rivera and Francisco de Goya. The El Paso Zoo is another popular destination, home to a wide range of animals from all over the world. For those interested in history, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site offers a glimpse into the territorial times of the region, with beautifully preserved adobe structures and exhibits.

Chamizal National Memorial, with its historical significance and commitment to cross-cultural understanding, serves as a symbol of peace and friendship between the United States and Mexico.

Location

Chamizal National Memorial is located in the state of Texas, specifically in the westernmost part of the city of El Paso. Nestled along the international border with Mexico, this stunning memorial is situated within the Chamizal neighborhood. This area is known for its distinctive natural landscape, characterized by rolling hills, desert vegetation, and the iconic Rio Grande running through it. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Franklin Mountains to the east, Chamizal National Memorial offers visitors a unique geographical perspective, with its strategic position at the crossroads of two nations.

Address & Contact

800 South San Marcial Street
El Paso, TX 79905
Driving Directions
Phone: 915-532-7273
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Chamizal National Memorial is from April to October, as these months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 81°F to 98°F, and the average minimum temperatures range from 54°F to 73°F. The average monthly precipitation is relatively low, varying from 0.1 inches in April to 1.97 inches in July. These months provide the most comfortable conditions for enjoying the memorial and its surroundings.

Things to do and learn in Chamizal National Memorial

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Chamizal National Memorial are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Chamizal National Memorial: Presidents Animals Arts River and Riparian Painting Photography Wars and Conflicts Sculpture Urban America Mexican War Cold War Hispanic American Heritage Latino American Heritage Poetry and Literature

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center

The Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center includes the theater, exhibit areas, park store and visitor information desk.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center.

Campsites within or near Chamizal National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Chamizal National Memorial

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HI Express El Paso Downtown, an IHG Hotel

A stay at HI Express El Paso Downtown, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of El Paso, within a 10-minute walk of El Paso Holocaust Museum and El Paso Scottish Rite Temple and Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in El Paso? This hotel has facilities measuring 1200 square feet (108 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).
Address: 409 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

Hyatt Place El Paso Airport

When you stay at Hyatt Place El Paso Airport in El Paso, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Bassett Place and Gene Roddenberry Planetarium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in El Paso? This hotel has facilities measuring 1586 square feet (147 square meters), including conference space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.
Address: 6030 Gateway Blvd E, El Paso, Texas 79905
Web: Link

Quality Inn And Suites

Located in El Paso, Quality Inn And Suites is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Bassett Place and Gene Roddenberry Planetarium. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.
Address: 6099 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79925
Web: Link

Americas Hotel El Paso Medical Center

You'll be centrally located in El Paso with a stay at Americas Hotel El Paso Medical Center, within a 15-minute walk of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and Thomason Hospital. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 450 Raynolds St, El Paso, Texas 79905
Web: Link

The Soluna Hotel

With a stay at The Soluna Hotel in El Paso, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Thomason Hospital and Bassett Place. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5640 E. Paisano Drive, El Paso, Texas 79925
Web: Link

Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown, an IHG Hotel

A stay at Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of El Paso, within a 10-minute walk of Plaza Theater and El Paso Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk.
Address: 325 N. Kansas Street, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

The Gardner Hotel El Paso

A stay at The Gardner Hotel El Paso places you in the heart of El Paso, within a 10-minute walk of Southwest University Park and El Paso Museum of History. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 311 East Franklin Av, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

Aloft El Paso Downtown

With a stay at Aloft El Paso Downtown in El Paso (Downtown El Paso), you'll be a 5-minute walk from Plaza Theater and 7 minutes by foot from El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in El Paso? This hotel has 4000 square feet (372 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 303 Texas Ave, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

Stanton House

Stanton House is centrally located in El Paso, a 4-minute walk from Plaza Theater and 6 minutes by foot from El Paso Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 209 N Stanton St, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

A stay at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park places you in the heart of El Paso, steps from Plaza Theater and 4 minutes by foot from El Paso Symphony Orchestra. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in El Paso? This hotel has facilities measuring 1600 square feet (149 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 106 W MILLS AVENUE, El Paso, Texas 79901
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2025-07-23Phone Lines Down
Chamizal National Memorial is experiencing temporary phone outages. We apologize for the inconvenience. Information regarding our hours of operation can be found under Plan Your Visit and questions can be directed to cham_information@nps.gov. More
2024-11-12Community Volunteer Ambassador Internship
Apply now for this internship opportunity at Chamizal National Memorial. Applicants local to El Paso are preferred. More
2024-04-18Now Issuing Free Federal Recreational Lands Passes
Chamizal National Memorial is once again issuing the free America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes. These passes cover entrance fees and standard amenity fees (day use fees) at lands managed by the National Park Service and other federal land management agencies. More
2024-03-27National Park Service selects new superintendent of Chamizal National Memorial
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Gerardo Gonzalez as superintendent of Chamizal National Memorial. More
2023-03-02Two Chamizal Parks Linked Through Sister Park Arrangement
Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas and Parque Chamizal in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico sign an arrangement to form a "sister park" relationship. More