What’s That Big Red X On The Border Near El Paso?

I've wondered about that big red X since it first went up in 2013 and finally decided to research it. Turns out it represents a number of things.

The big red "X", known as La Equis, (which literally means 'The X"), was designed and built by a Mexican sculptor known simply as Sebastian and towers 202 above the state fairgrounds.

There are many interesting things about the X including the fact that it stands on land that once belonged to the USA. It was deeded back to Mexico as part of the agreement commemorated by the Chamizal memorial.

The X shape has puzzled folks on both sides of the border and, it turns out, there are several reasons Sebastian went with that design.

Why An "X"?

“It is the ‘x’ in Mexico, it is the crossing of Spanish and Indian blood, it stands on the Chamizal, a national symbol because it’s land Mexico recovered from the United States,” he said. The two circles at the “waist” of the X represent the jaguar claws at the center of the Aztec Calendar Stone, another Mexican icon. - borderreport.com

Sebastian said the X also honors something former Mexican President Benito Juarez, the city's namesake, did. He officially changed the "j" in Mejico back to an "x". That's how the native American Nahuatl spelled it in their language but the Spaniards who conquered Mexico spelled it with a "j" instead. Juarez switched it back in 1857.

READ MORE: Chamizal National Park Is Almost 60

There were once plans to build something similar on our side of the border at Ascarate Park. Not sure what happened to that idea.

The middle of the X is a public observation deck offering peeps a great view of El Paso and Juarez. It's sometimes used at night for parties and events, the flashing lights visible for miles.