W. Ray Scott

“ Evidence of the tremendous force of erosion is very pronounced throughout the Big Bend National Park. Here nature has carved 8 a cross section out of the earth leaving the rocks of various geological eras etched in bold relief. The Big Bend country reveals to the novice a greater understanding of the geological evolution through which the earth has passed. ”

“ The flagtail deer, mountain lion and black bear are found at the higher elevations in the Chisos Mountains, while mule deer, antelope and javalina frequent the foothills and plains. Due to excessive hunting before Big Bend was established as a National Park, antelope and big horn sheep had completely disappeared 17 from the area. Antelope have been restocked in recent years and are gradually on the increase. Along the Rio Grande beaver and badger comprise the principal types of wildlife. ”

“ Many rare species of birds found in Big Bend include the Colima warbler, aplomade falcon, Inca dove, white-necked raven and golden eagle. More common types are the orioles, tanagers, cardinals, hummingbirds, thrashers and wrens. ”

“ In 1933, through legislative action by the state of Texas, parts of the Big Bend area became Texas Canyons State Park. Later the same year another bill was passed which created Big Bend State Park.
Congressman R. E. Thomason in 1934 introduced a bill to establish a National Park in the Big Bend country. In 1935 Senator Morris Sheppard suggested in a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the establishment of an International Park along the Texas-Mexican border. ”

“ Common to all oceans, various types of aquatic life abounded in these waters, many of which were fossilized in the forming of the rock. Igneous action within the earth’s interior caused an uplifting of the surface and receding of the ocean waters. ”