History
Farm in El Paso County Named National Treasure
Right next to the border in El Paso County sits the city of Socorro. Last weekend, residents attended a big party combining the Chile War Festival and their newest reason to celebrate. Rio Vista Farm was officially named a National Treasure.
The status of National Treasure is bestowed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), and only one other location has this title in Texas: the Houston Astrodome. Rio Vista Farm is receiving this honor because of its history housing neglected children, and later, Mexican laborers. This site processed workers as braceros, or men who came to the U.S. from Mexico as guest workers in a controversial agreement between Mexico and America during the 1950s and 60s.
Some residents of Socorro had firsthand experience with the farm which is “made up of small, simple adobe buildings” and “surrounded by acres of lush cotton plants.” The El Paso Times quoted NTHP’s Senior Vice President for Field Services, Barbara Pahl, as saying, “I think the first thing we’re going to do is make sure we can nail this history. This is not well-known. We’re hoping we’ll find some more people who will share their stories.”
The location will have a few updates made to it. They’re considering adding a library or a recreational space to serve the community and to increase awareness of the newly named National Treasure.
