Browse Items (132 total)

Two large shrubs mark the beginning of an irrigation ditch that leads downward. In this area, the Rio Grande is dry, and many aliens attempting to cross suspect this ditch to be the river.

Hot springs and the ruins of a spa along the north side of the Rio Grande within the "Big Bend" area of Texas and Coahuila.

An abandoned road overlooks the Rio Grande while small shrubs occupy the space leading to the river. In the background, the outlines of large mountains are visible.

Several Kickapoo huts stand on a dirt road. In the background, telephone poles are visible.

The Amistad Reservoir was created by mutual international agreement, flooding a large land area. The original Rio Grande channel was preserved as the permanent border line through the reservoir. Below the Amistad Dam, the water is free of silt and…

An small black fence surrounded by dried shrubs marks an abandoned cemetery along the Rio Grande.

A ferry carrying three cars crosses the Rio Grande at Los Ebanos. Several people also stand on the ferry.

A old railroad track stands covered in vegetation. Tress line both sides of the tracks as they extend into the distance.

View of a "no-man's land" along the McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa toll bridge. These areas are neither private property nor publicly maintained and are excellent hiding areas for people who have just crossed the river illegally.

A fence cuts across a ridge. On both sides, trees and vegetation populate the landscape.

The stone foundation was evacuated and flooded as part of Falcon Reservoir. The level of the Reservoir has been lowered, revealing the overgrown streets, foundations, and sidewalks. The property is now owned by a local rancher, and is being used for…

On the side of a road, an old boating sign that reads "ENJOY SAFE BOATING" is hidden behind overgrown plants.

An abandoned road approaches a flooded area where vegetation has started to grow.

Three main cultural factors influence the flow and course of the Rio Grande. The first is the large and growing agricultural network, including diversion dams, reservoirs, and irrigation canals. The second is the development of urban water and power…

Fence and dirt road surrounded by vegetation. In the background, the International Bridge at Roma-Los Saenz is visible.

Most automobile traffic crosses the Rio Grande at established bridge points at one of the fifteen sister cities. This "International Ferry" at Los Ebanos is the last hand-pulled ferry along the river. It can carry three vehicles per trip. Privately…

Dry rescaca (oxbow lake) with sparse vegetation.

This abandoned section of the Rio Grande at La Chapena is being cleared of brush and turned into a settling basin for agricultural water.

Dirt path in between a field of sunflowers.

The character of the landscape along the Rio Grande is determined by its use, even if only as a place to cross. Millions of what were then pejoratively called"wet-backs," mojados, "illegal aliens," or more appropriately undocumented workers attempt…