VIEJA SPRINGS

NAME: Vieja Springs
COUNTY: Presidio
ROADS: 4WD
GRID: 2
CLIMATE: Cold in winter hot in summer, but dry
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime
COMMENTS: Vieja Springs is located in Vieja Pass in Presido County between Valentine, Texas and Vieja Ranch. Was the original trail from Valentine to Rio Grande area back when Pancho Villa was around.
REMAINS: Fort Holland on the east and Rock House at Vieja Springs.
Vieja Springs was the only source of good drinking water for miles around. The springs run continously year around. Vieja Ranch headquarters was built at the springs and was owned by Evans Means for many years until his death on the ranch in the late 1970's. Pancho Villa and his bandits used the ranch and the rock house headquarters to evade the law and the military from 1915 to 1920's.The ranch headquarters and the springs set in a rocky mountain desert setting along side the Rim Rock. The Rim Rock looks like the side of a mountain cut in half with the west side being the rim rock (very high rock cliffs) and the east side sloping gently to the east.Used extensively, by the troops from Fort Holland and Dios E Ocho Creek Camp, while tracking Villa's bandits and protecting local ranchers and their properties. Submitted by: Clarence Louviere

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