 Border Wars: Conquistadores, Apaches, and Pancho Villa
March 21-29
Historian Guide Neil Mangum
The great Southwest from Arizona to West Texas is a rugged, majestic landscape. Within this region amid searing heat, unrelenting winds, and a myriad of strange creatures and plants, the U.S.-Mexican border weaves a fascinating history. On this trip you will meet early settlers, traders, trappers, outlaws, lawmen, and Native Americans central to our story.
Cultural conflicts dominated the Southwest and impacted relationships. The Mexican-American War brought the region under U.S. control, fostering major changes. Caught within the troubles were the Apaches, who fought against overwhelming numbers to retain their homeland and identity. While the military battled the Apaches, it was the advent of the mining industry that truly transformed the region.
Across the border, Mexico labored for decades under scores of regimes that left the country and its inhabitants destitute. Ultimately, another revolution in the early 1800s caught Americans squarely in the cross hairs. The U.S. responded diplomatically and militarily. Remnants of Mexico's strife and the impact of the American reaction can still be seen today along the border.
Your tour will be led by noted historian guide Neil Mangum. With his in-depth commentary and lively humor, he will take you to places where many important figures made their marks and changed our history.
TOUR INCLUDES
9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
- Historian Guide: Neil Mangum
- Services of a professional tour director
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- All admissions to included features
- Eight nights hotel accommodations
- Eight breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Welcome briefing
- All taxes, baggage handling, & gratuities on included features
- Suggested reading list
COST:
Per person double occupancy - $3,245
Per person single occupancy - $3,745
Click to request a 2009 printed Travel Guide.
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ITINERARY
Saturday, March 21
Gathering day in El Paso, Texas, at the Marriott Hotel for a briefing and welcome dinner hosted by Neil Mangum and HistoryAmerica TOURS.
Sunday, March 22
Learn of the notorious Texas gunman John Wesley Hardin, then stop at Juan de Onate's 1598 crossing of the Rio Grande. Tour Columbus, New Mexico, sacked by Pancho Villa in 1916, and have lunch at the Pink Store in Paloma, Mexico. This afternoon visit Pancho Villa State Park, Camp Furlong, and the U.S. Customs House.
Monday, March 23
Stop at the Geronimo Surrender Memorial and Slaughter's Ranch at Bernardino Springs, significant as a staging area for General Crook's punitive expedition against the Apaches. You will also hear of the Battle of Aqua Prieta and visit the ruins of Camp Newell.
Tuesday, March 24
Tour the Bisbee Copper Mine this morning. Visit Coronado National Memorial, Fort Huachuca, and Tombstone before crossing into the Sulphur Springs Valley, heart of Apacheria and home of Cochise. Last stop is the Chiricahua Regional Museum in Wilcox.
Wednesday, March 25
Visit Fort Bowie, site of conflicts between Apaches and the military. In Las Cruces see the grave of Patrick Garrett, slayer of Billy the Kid, and visit the plaza at Old Mesilla. Return to El Paso via the Mexican War Battlefield of Brazito and the Fort Bliss Army Museum.
Thursday, March 26
Visit the 18th-century Mission San Elizario. Travel by Fort Hancock, site of the El Paso-San Antonio stage station at Van Horn Wells, and tour Fort Davis. This evening you will enjoy cocktails hosted by Neil and Debbie Mangum at their home.
Friday, March 27
You have a West Texas chuckwagon breakfast, then tour the Museum of the Big Bend and Big Bend National Park with stops at Chisos Basin and the military base at Castolon.
Saturday, March 28
Follow the Rio Grande to Fort Leaton, then view the murals in Marfa painted by German POW's held at Fort Russell. Learn of the Battle of Tinajas de las Palmas and visit Chamizal National Memorial, commemorating the 1864 Treaty between Mexico and the U.S. Our farewell dinner is this evening in El Paso.
Sunday, March 29
Depart at your leisure following breakfast.
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