On one of our trips down to Big Bend, we toured Dugout Wells. We had a picnic under the cottonwood trees.
Chisos Mountains in the distance.
Old ranch road leading to what was once a thriving community.
Prickly Pear Cacti at Dugout Wells
Water is one thing that helped this community survive in the early 1900's.
Hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert at Dugout Wells. The trail at Dugout Wells is an easy 1/2 mile hike. We saw several Javelina while walking and heard lots of birds.
During the early 1900's, Dugout Wells was home to the Green family. A sign on the trail read, "Green family home- near the windmill stood a ranching complex, a few houses, and the regions first school. The small frame schoolhouse inspired people of the area to call Dugout Wells a "cultural center of Big Bend"."
The windmill at Dugout Wells was pumping the day we arrived. It was fascinating to watch the water trickle from the pipe. The National Park service has worked hard to prevent people from damaging this well. They have the well sealed up but it is still operational. As we stood in the quiet listening to the water, it was easy to imagine the talk and activity that must have taken place in this very spot a century ago. I am sure there was talking about the weather, happenings of the time, and even some gossipping about the people around this well. This was once an active ranching community. We enjoyed our hike through Dugout Wells.
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