Border Fence Construction Begins Near Historic Site

By  Mónica Ortiz Uribe, Fronteras

The construction of new stretch of fencing along the U.S./Mexico border in El Paso is causing concerns among some locals. They say it could interfere with a historically significant site.

In 1598, thousands of Spanish settlers, lead by explorer Juan de Oñate, crossed the Rio Grande River at a spot near present-day downtown El Paso. The crossing established the foundation for the cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez and created a major gateway from Mexico into what is now the southwestern United States.

Today …  the site is commemorated by three stone markers surrounded by gravel and dry weeds.

Now the federal government is building a half-mile fence along this section of the border.

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