The Border Patrol Museum in El Paso offers a detailed view inside the history of the organization tasked with protecting America’s borders. This article explains what the museum has to offer and how patrons can make the most of their visit.
- Location: 4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Rd.
- Phone: 915-759-6060
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-4:45
- Admission: Free
Here is a map of where the Border Patrol Museum is located:
The Border Patrol Museum is the only one of its kind in the country and displays artifacts of all kinds spanning the nearly 100-year history of the Border Patrol. From recruits riding horseback in 1924 to the current tools of today’s agents, museum visitors can explore the various tools, methods, and major events of the Border Patrol.
The Border Patrol Museum was organized in 1984 by former members of the Border Patrol to document and display the organization’s history. As a private, non-profit entity, the museum offers free admission and funds its activities through gift shop sales and donations.
Exhibits
The museum hosts several ongoing exhibits, each highlighting a particular aspect of the Border Patrol’s history.
Vehicles
The museum boasts an assortment of vehicles used by the patrol, which represent the variety of the terrain encountered. Among those on display are: a helicopter, an all-terrain vehicle, bicycles, snowmobiles and trucks, SUVs, and cars. The vehicles also communicate the transition over the years of the Border Patrol’s insignia and color schemes.
Weapons
Two weapons exhibits are available for inspection. The first is made up of duty carry weapons provided to new recruits over the course of the patrol’s history. A couple of examples include a Colt AR-15 and a Thompson sub-machine gun.
Weapons seized by the Border Patrol comprise the second exhibit and include bladed weapons, an AK-47, and everything in between.
Uniforms
The Border Patrol’s uniforms change periodically and this exhibit showcases current and historical versions. Dating back to the mid 1920’s, this exhibit delivers a unique perspective on the patrol’s history.
Operations
The operations exhibit provides insight to the Border Patrol’s methods for managing checkpoints and tracking individuals. Dioramas of each of these processes illuminate the practical approach used by agents to carry out their duties.
Special Forces
The final exhibit describes the BORTAC and BORSTAR units and educates visitors on the history of each. The BORTAC unit was developed to respond to potentially dangerous situations all over the world, while the BORSTAR unit is designed as a rescue unit for individuals trapped in the desert Southwest.
Gift Shop
The Border Patrol Museum’s gift shop carries exclusive branded Border Patrol souvenirs and includes knives, coins, and jewelry. Books and patches are also available, and the gift shop will be the exclusive retailer for the special merchandise to commemorate the Border Patrol’s 100-year anniversary in 2024.
The Border Patrol Museum supplies an exclusive look at the history of the Border Patrol over the past one hundred years. Its exhibits work together to fulfill the curiosity of history buffs of all sorts and is a great way to spend a few hours. Check out their website here.
