Question 1: Today’s image features the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. Where are we?
- Texas
- California
- Florida
Answer: Texas
Fact: Big Bend National Park, situated in a remote part of West Texas, celebrates its 81st anniversary today. Established on June 12, 1944, the park spans over 800,000 acres, preserving diverse landscapes of desert, river, and mountains. It features the Chisos Mountains, dramatic limestone canyons, and the largest protected section of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.
Question 2: The Big Bend area is named after which river’s big bend?
- Colorado River
- Mississippi River
- Rio Grande
Answer: Rio Grande
Fact: The name “Big Bend” refers to a large U-shaped curve in the Rio Grande. In this area, the river takes a dramatic turn, carving deep canyons and shaping the park’s rugged landscape. The Rio Grande serves as a vital lifeline, sustaining desert wildlife and providing recreational activities such as rafting and canoeing.
Question 3: Big Bend shares a border with which country?
- Canada
- Mexico
- Guatemala
Answer: Mexico
Fact: Big Bend National Park spans more than 100 miles along the Mexico–U.S. border, tracing the curves of the Rio Grande. This area was originally part of Mexico and did not become officially part of Texas until the mid-1800s.