The
Godmother
on the Border
by Danielle Gallo
The only local financial institution in Alpine
If you live or work in Alpine, bank with us
See the difference at your local credit union
Now serving Presidio and Jeff Davis Counties
111 N 2ND STREET • ALPINE • 432.837.5156
T
16
Maggie Smith and J. Evetts Haley at Smith's store in San Vicente. Photo courtesy Bibg Bend National Park.
he Big Bend hot springs down on the
Rio Grande have been a draw for all
kinds of people over the centuries, from
the Indian tribes who left pictographs and mid-
den piles along the cliffs above the river to the
settlers who made the springs their home and
business, to the visitors hoping to cure their ills
in the warm mineral water, or just relax away
their aches and pains.
J.O. Langford built his home on the cliff
above the river, hoping to cure his malaria at
the springs, which he claimed was a successful
Cenizo
Second Quarter 2015
endeavor after using the treatment prescribed
by local Indians of bathing in the 105 degree
water and drinking it. He purchased the land in
1909 and built a bathhouse over the largest
springs, charging 25 cents per bath, or 21 baths
for five dollars. A Post Office was established at
the site in 1914 as well.
The Post Office was discontinued in 1943,
but the State and then the National Park want-
ed the bathing facilities and trading post to be
manned during the
continued on page 20
transition to federal