Just west of Del Rio is Amistad National Recreation Area. In 1954 a massive flood created the need for Mexico and the US to better manage the Rio Grande (Called Rio Bravo in Mexico). A larger dam was constructed to control flooding on the Rio Grande, the Pecos, and the Devils Rivers, which meet in this area. It was a massive project, with planning and construction spanning almost a decade. Miles of railroad tracks required relocation. We passed a long, now unused, railway trestle. The interpretive center has a timeline of the project.
During the flooding of the new reservoir, many prehistoric rock paintings were covered by water and lost forever. Archaeologists and scholars were able to document them all and preserve drawings and photographs of them.
Amistad does not yet have an invasive mussel infestation like dozens of other Texas Lakes now have. We were told that the staff conducts extensive education and boat checks to help prevent the mussels. An exhibit in the visitor’s center showed how devastating these mussels can be on pipes and equipment. They also suck nutrients from the water, killing fish and plants.
There are miles of roads and many access points to the lake. The dam is not accessible but can be seen beyond the Border Patrol point of entry.
We drove around the lake and enjoyed the views.