Revisiting the Little-Known History of Rio Vista Farm
photo by: Kip Malone
In 1942, the United States reached an agreement with Mexico to establish the Bracero Program, which brought Mexican workers known as braceros (“strong arms”) into the U.S. on a temporary basis to ameliorate domestic farm-labor shortages. Of the five processing centers created over the duration of program, Rio Vista Farm in Socorro, Texas, is likely the last one that remains.
1951
Originally a 14-acre farm built in 1915 to shelter El Paso County’s indigents and orphans, Rio Vista Farm becomes a processing center for more than 80,000 braceros per year. Once they enter the country, Mexican laborers endure invasive examinations and DDT fumigation at these centers while they await their labor contracts.
1964
Labor unionization, increased focus on protecting U.S. workers, the Civil Rights and Farmworker movements, and the mechanization of farm equipment lead to the end of the Bracero Program. Rio Vista Farm closes as a processing center soon after, and over the next few decades, many of its buildings fall into disrepair.
2016
The National Trust declares Rio Vista Farm a National Treasure, helping pave the way for preserving 15 Mission Revival adobe buildings, one wooden structure, one cinderblock bathroom, and one Quonset hut, all on the north side of the complex.
2017
In January, funding from the National Park Service allows the National Trust and the city of Socorro to begin the nomination of Rio Vista Farm as a National Historic Landmark.
In September, the National Trust will host the inaugural Bracero History Summit to bring attention to both the Bracero Program and the immediate need for preserving Rio Vista Farm.
photo by: History Library
Braceros at Rio Vista.
photo by: Kip Malone
The interior of one of the buildings at Rio Vista.
photo by: Kip Malone
The Mission-style exterior of a building at Rio Vista.
