ASARCO shaped the Borderland by creating high-paying jobs and becoming a regional economic engine. Yet, the smelter also brought horrendous workplace accidents, pollution, and toxic waste that poisoned the community. The smelting waste, or slag, literally transformed the landscape. In this ever-changing landscape, a company town was established, Smeltertown. By building schools,hospitals, stores, and churches, the residents and workers created their own distinct comunidad within the Borderland While pollution led to the destruction of most of the residential communities, the memories of the comunidad live on with former employees and residents. The UTEP Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens is proud to present The Town and The Smelter. This exhibit will be on view from August 29, 2019 to January 25, 2020.
