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Sunland Park
Sunland Park is the southernmost city in Doňa Ana County, New Mexico, and is approximately 11 square miles in area. Bordered on the south by Chihuahua, Mexico and to the east El Paso, Texas, Sunland Park is also found at the base of Mt. Cristo Rey, a landmark that can be seen for several miles. The City is also located at the terminus of New Mexico highway 273 also known as McNutt Rd. Other Major arterial streets within Sunland Park are Country Club Rd., Race Track Dr., and Sunland Park Dr. Each of these arterials allows access to and from the City of El Paso
The history of Sunland Park dates back some 5,000 years, to a Native American settlement at the Keystone Heritage site along the present day Doniphan Drive. In the 1500's Don Juan de Oňate crossed from the east side of the Rio Grande into Anapra, New Mexico, Incorporating the Camino Real Trail.
In 1901 1902 El Paso & South Western constructed a rail line from Douglas Arizona, through New Mexico to El Paso Texas, known as "The Southline". Phelps Dodge utilized this line to ship anodes from its Douglas Smelter to its El Paso Smelter and Refinery Plant. In 1924 Southern Pacific Railroad purchased the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad, and established the town of Anapra. Then in 1961, Southern Pacific determined that is was no longer cost effective to operate " The Southline", abandoning the rail line between Douglas Az, and Anapra NM. The Short segment remaining of "The Southline" between Anapra and El Paso remains in service today.
To Support the Sunland Park Racetrack, which was founded in 1959, Anapra and nearby communities changed their name to Sunland PArk in 1960. The Sunland Park Racetrack was a gateway to the east and west for top racing talents throughout the 1960's and 1970's. The race track was located on the New Mexico Side of the border due to state laws allowing pari-mutuel betting at race track where as Texas state laws did not.
The City of Sunland Park was incorporated in 1983 and is located at the New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico Border. Due to declining industry in the 1990's around the nation, State of New Mexico designed legislation allowing its racetracks to incorporate slot machines into their business as an effort to saving horse racing in New Mexico. The Sunland Park Racetrack received its gaming license in 1999, and is now known as the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
This longtime inhabited community is rich in history and has preserved its separate identity despite its proximity to the industrial area of El Paso.
One of the City’s assets is its geographic location that enriches the community’s value. The neighboring Juarez and Anapra, Mexico, as well as El Paso Texas, give a unique cultural quality and advantage over most communities.
MT Cristo Rey History
Father Lourdes Costa, a pastor at the San Jose del Rio Grande Church in Smeltertown for 20 years, in the 1930's received a message from the Pope instructing all parishes to build sacrosancts, or monuments, to recognize the 19th centennial of the Redemption. Father Costa chose the Mule Drivers Mountain, and envisioned that at its top a reminder of Christ that would inspire all who saw it. He then convinced the Bishop of El Paso to approve the purchase of 200 acres of the peak from New Mexico Public Land Office. In February of 1934 the parishioners initially erected a 12-feet-tall wooden cross, and on Palm Sunday the Wooden cross was replaced with an iron cross built at the Smelter Vocational School. However, Father Costa still foresaw something of a greater magnitude; he then described his vision of a large sculpture to oversee the river valley to the Bishop of El Paso.
At the bishop's approval Father Costa enlisted his childhood friend from Spain, who was currently working at the time on the Christ of Andes Monument. Urbici Soler constructed a clay model of a statue, and once the final design of the sculpture was chosen he traveled to Austin, Texas to pick out Cordovan cream limestone. Some 30 tons of these limestone blocks were then taken up the north side of Mt Cristo Rey. Then in 1937, Soler Chiseled the limestone into shape with the help of his personal assistant, who would then step back from its massive proportions to advise the sculptor. When the diocese ran short of money, Soler completed the front of Cristo Rey with his own funds in 1939. At 42.5 feet tall overall, with a 9 foot base and a 33.5 foot cross, the Monument is said to be the largets of its kind in North America. The head of Christ is elongated (to give the appearance of natural proportion when seen from below); with the palms of Christ facing downward in a gesture of blessing; with this gesture making the statue not technically a crucifix. The statue of Christ atop Mount Cristo Rey was dedicated in October 28, 1939 in a five hour mass. Pilgrims continue to this day to climb the path each fall during the annual festival "Celebration of Our Mountains". In 1989 a crown bearing 40 crosses was added to the monument's base, its golden anniversary.
City of Sunland Park
1000 McNutt Rd Suite A
Sunland Park, NM 88063
Phone: (575) 589-7565
Fax: (575) 589-1222
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunland_Park,_New_Mexico
