These historic items were pulled from the ashes at Big Bend National Park/NPS
Pieces of the past -- cast iron stoves, an old iron, and a stencil used to mark cotton bales -- were among the items that survived the wildfire that burned down the historic La Harmonia store and visitor center in Big Bend National Park.
The fire started in Mexico on May 21 and jumped the Rio Grand River the next day, burning into Big Bend. While wildland and structural firefighters quickly responded, the kindling-dry vegetation and hot, gusty weather conditions drove the flames over the historic structures in the park's Castolon Historic District.
Park fire crews, with help from Terlingua Fire & EMS, were able to save all but the historic latrine (public bathrooms) and barracks (La Harmonia Store and Castolon Visitor Center), a park release said. The historic Officers’ Quarters, Magdalena House, Garlick House, Alvino House, recreation hall/granary, and guard shack were all critically threatened by this fire, but ultimately saved.
Strong winds continued to push the fire around for the following days, but by June 1 crews were able to completely contain the fire. It had burned nearly 800 acres in the United States.
"Pockets of heat still remain within the burned area, and the park expects this to be 100% controlled (out) by next week," a release said Tuesday. "Part of the Los Diablos fire crew remains on site, conducting fuels reduction and hazard-tree work while on standby."
"Although damaged, Castolon remains a rich remnant of Big Bend’s pioneer and military past, and represents the mixing of cultures along the border,” said acting Superintendent Tom VandenBerg. “In spite of losing so much, we are forever grateful for all the facilities that were spared.”
In the days after the loss of the La Harmonia store and visitor center, park resource staff and G4 Heritage Consulting sifted the debris to save many historic items. Artifacts retrieved include the two cast iron stoves, La Harmonia stencil that once marked cotton bales, the La Harmonia Store sign that hung above the doorway, the old post office doors and grate walls, the iron used by Magdalena Silvas, and numerous other architectural items like doorknobs and brackets.
Over the upcoming weeks and months, park management will be evaluating options for restoring visitor services to the area and long-term plans for the historic district. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive has reopened, but the Castolon Historic area will remain closed. No services are available in the Castolon area.
Cottonwood Campground will not reopen until fencing and other facilities can be repaired.
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