Lens-Artists Challenge #344: Abandoned
Getting to Mariscal Mine in Big Bend National Park may not be easy. High-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive are required. When we first visited this area in 2007, the ranger told us that he was not sure the road was passable at some point. We encountered at least one spot where we had to get out of our vehicle to study how we’d continue our journey to Mariscal Mine. The trip is a feast for the eyes, even before getting to Mariscal Mine. Our second trip to that remote area was in 2018.
So, when I read Anne’s Abandoned lens-artists challenge, I immediately opted to get out of the obvious abandoned items in my catalog to concentrate on this piece of US history. I strongly encourage you to look at Anne’s post for more inspiration and her striking images.
Mariscal Mine was a significant mercury (quicksilver) mine that operated intermittently from 1900 to 1943. In 1900, cinnabar (the mercury ore) was discovered in that area. Several attempts were made to have a productive mining company in that area. However, the desert and distance from other cities were instrumental in failed propositions. Two companies tried. First, the Mariscal Mining Company operated from 1919 to 1923. Then, from 1942 to 1943, Vivianna Mining Company attempted mining, but with no success. The mine permanently closed in 1943, just before Big Bend National Park was established.
Mariscal Mine was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 13, 1974. The mine is the best-preserved mercury mining site in the state of Texas. Some structures remain in ruins, including holding bins, furnaces, condensing chambers, and stacks. A few entrances to the mine are still there but closed.
Getting to Mariscal Mine depends on how passable the River Road East is. This 51-mile (82-km) stretch of primitive dirt road connects the Rio Grande Village to Castolon. The drive is thrilling as it takes you deep into the interior of Big Bend National Park. River Road East must not be confused with the River Road or FM 170, which runs through Big Bend Ranch State Park from Presidio to Lajitas.
Once in the Chihuahuan Desert, you have a constant view of the Chisos Mountains on your horizon on one side. On the other side, you can see the Sierra del Carmen across Mexico, as in the photo below taken from the top of Mariscal Mine.
Ann-Christine’s See on My Last Outing challenge last week was great. The photos I saw in various posts were memorable. For this week, Anne wants us to show abandoned things. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, John returns with another challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring Big Bend NP, Chihuahuan Desert, Chisos Mountains, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Mariscal Mine, National Parks, Sierra del Carmen, Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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margaret21
Oh this is such an evocative landscape. As your post suggests – the stories it could tell!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Margaret.
Toonsarah
The remote location makes this place feel even more abandoned in your images. And I guess being so hard to get to means that you have it to yourselves when you visit, adding to the atmosphere.
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, first off, thank for commenting. Your remark is precise. Both times we went to that location, we were the only people there.
Anne Sandler
Egidio, this mine is perfect for this challenge. I’m wondering if any miners got sick from digging up mercury. Could that be why it closed? Or was it just too difficult to get to? They didn’t have any 4-wheel drive vehicles then!
Egidio Leitao
Health problems were constant with lots of mercury poisoning and other diseases. On top of that, after the war, the decline in mercury need caused business to plummet. Thanks for your comments and great challenge.
Tina Schell
Wow Egidio, so many interesting places most of us have never heard of! Good on you for the commitment it took to get there! Loved your images, they really brought the place to life. The “driving” image is my favorite but all are terrific.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Tina. As many times as we’ve been to Big Bend, we’ve only gone to the mine area twice. It is remote and takes nearly a couple of hours to get there once you exit the main, paved road. Of course, the other side of that is the solitude the area brings. Both time we were there, we were the only people visiting the location.
photobyjohnbo
Even if I had the fortitude to embark on the trip, I don’t have a vehicle that would be up to the task. Thank you for sharing this tidbit of history that I will never see in person.
Egidio Leitao
You’re welcome, John. The first time we were there, we were in a Jeep with a couple of other friends. The second time, we drove my Subaru Forester.
JohnRH
Great photos. Chisos Mts view and Driving in Style are among my many faves.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. I never get tired of the Chisos. I appreciate your feedback.
I. J. Khanewala
That’s lovely
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your feedback, I.J.
Hammad Rais
Interesting but for me, only during the daylight 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Same for me. I would not drive those roads in the dark.
Sofia Alves
The solitude comes across beautifully, Egídio. This is a special place indeed.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Sofia.
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sue
What an absolutely amazing place to have visited, Egidio! some great images that’s very definitely speak of abandoned
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sue. I just wish the drive to get to it were not so remote. Although I visit Big Bend often, I have only been in that area twice.