Stray Tales Of The Big Bend -- by Dr. Elton Miles

Time and the feelings of time are probably the overall impression-making essence of The Big Bend.

Visitors who enjoy any real time there see, read, and feel the presence of centuries and millennia in this part of Texas which visibly dips down into the sparsely populated mountains and desert of northern Mexico. Many writers have been inspired by the Native American pictographs, the topography, and the history that overwhelms visitors. Add the dry climate with its large sky, and it's no wonder that many become emotionally attached to this distinct part of the planet. 

No one can be blamed for repeated visits, seeing different parts of the general area, allowing for deep absorption. Myself, I was there five times between 1965 and 1974 with my family. I would gladly go back.

Many writers note topic selection as a key to long and short-term success. Author Elton Miles chose an obvious winner.

The Big Bend region, stretching well beyond the national park, is loaded with legends, history, and mystery. Miles didn't try to cover it all in this Texas A&M University Press book. Much like The Big Bend, it always leaves you wanting more.

Professor Miles didn't try to wow us with anything more than the facts, which are plentiful, well-documented, and stated.

Content ranged from events in the early part of the last century to about 302 A.D. The raids by Mexican bandits/revolutionaries were so costly in human life and property that the U.S. Cavalry was called in and returned after several troopers and a little boy were killed in Glenn Springs in 1916. The violence was so widespread that General Blackjack Pershing's much-publicized punitive expedition into Mexico after the deadly Villista raid on Columbus, New Mexico was not a stand-alone case. Another similar punitive expedition from The Big Bend reached some 175 miles into northern Mexico, killing several bandits, and recovering hostages, and stolen goods.

International railroad business and construction were highly important in this strategic region, but the discovery of what appeared to be an ancient tablet written in Mithran figures illustrates part of The Big Bend's relationship to the past. The tablet was found near the hot springs above Tornillo Creek and dutifully turned in to Park authorities who did not preserve it, leaving it to eventually crumble into dust. Fortunately, archeology experts were able to examine the tablet through photos taken during the discovery.

Visitors who enjoy any real time there see, read, and feel the presence of centuries and millennia in this part of Texas which visibly dips down into the sparsely populated mountains and desert of northern Mexico. Many writers have been inspired by the Native American pictographs, the topography, and the history that overwhelms visitors. Add the dry climate with its large sky, and it's no wonder that many become emotionally attached to this distinct part of the planet. 

No one can be blamed for repeated visits, seeing different parts of the general area, allowing for deep absorption. Myself, I was there five times between 1965 and 1974 with my family. I would gladly go back.

Many writers note topic selection as a key to long and short-term success. Author Elton Miles chose an obvious winner.

The Big Bend region, stretching well beyond the national park, is loaded with legends, history, and mystery. Miles didn't try to cover it all in this Texas A&M University Press book. Much like The Big Bend, it always leaves you wanting more.

Professor Miles didn't try to wow us with anything more than the facts, which are plentiful, well-documented, and stated.

Content ranged from events in the early part of the last century to about 302 A.D. The raids by Mexican bandits/revolutionaries were so costly in human life and property that the U.S. Cavalry was called in and returned after several troopers and a little boy were killed in Glenn Springs in 1916. The violence was so widespread that General Blackjack Pershing's much-publicized punitive expedition into Mexico after the deadly Villista raid on Columbus, New Mexico was not a stand-alone case. Another similar punitive expedition from The Big Bend reached some 175 miles into northern Mexico, killing several bandits, and recovering hostages, and stolen goods.

International railroad business and construction were highly important in this strategic region, but the discovery of what appeared to be an ancient tablet written in Mithran figures illustrates part of The Big Bend's relationship to the past. The tablet was found near the hot springs above Tornillo Creek and dutifully turned in to Park authorities who did not preserve it, leaving it to eventually crumble into dust. Fortunately, archeology experts were able to examine the tablet through photos taken during the discovery.

My copy of this book was inherited from my recently deceased mother who first introduced me and my sister to The Big Bend, starting this lasting affection with that unique place.