Mark Long’s Blog

After spending the night in Batopilas we went deeper down into the canyon to a more remote village. They call this Cathedral the last one because it is in such a remote location. It was built in the 1700’s during the silver mining boom in the area. It is currently undergoing renovation.

We brought a couple dozen balls with us and gave them to the children at the small school in the village. Going to school is not required by law there and many children were in the streets instead of in the class. They were very happy with the gift of balls.

Even though, or because of the remoteness of the area there was a large military presence. We passed several patrols each day.

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Deep in the most remote areas of Copper Canyon almost everyone drives a late model SUV. In other areas of Mexico you see a lot of old beat up cars and trucks. Not in Batoplias. Why? They are stolen from the US and are sold for a couple of thousand dollars to buyers in remote areas. When I snapped this photo our guide chastised me for taking the risk of anoying the residents. I don’t see how they can get away with it. Military patrols drive by these vehicles everyday.

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Back in 1895 a group of Mormon Pioneers that were not to keen on Utah becoming the newest state in the union travelled to North Central Mexico and settled in Neuvo Casa Grandes. As soon as you enter the city you quickly notice the signature Mormon Pioneer layout of the city. Streets wide enough to do a mid street u-turn with a 4 horse pulled wagon and the square grid patternhj of the streets and avenues.

Mitt Romney’s dad George was raised here. There are still Romney’s in town the most notable owning a computer store. Mormon’s don’t dominate the populationlike they once did. Mexican’s are the vast majority and there is a large Mendonite population that imigrated there during WWII. The Mormon area of town I think may be known as “Little Beverly Hills”. Very nive mansions complete with tennis courts and swimming pools.

Elder Gilbert and Elder Bravo

The Local Ward House

You might wonder if there are still polygamists living in Nuevo Casa Grandes. They are concentrated to the south of NCG in much larger houses. I was told that they can legally have 7 wives. Mexico’s second temple is only a few miles away in another heavily dominated Mormon Comnmunity. The industry is mostly peach orchards. There is also a Momon High School Academy that is very respected.

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