The river is dammed at Avalon and McMillan to help irrigate about 25,000 acres (101 km²) as part of the Carlsbad reclamation project (established in 1906). Texas has also dammed the river at the Red Bluff Dam in the western part of that state to form the Red Bluff Reservoir. The portion of the reservoir that extends into New Mexico forms the lowest point in that state. New Mexico and Texas disputed water rights to the river until the federal government settled the dispute in 1949.
The river played a large role in the exploration of Texas by the Spaniards.
In the latter half of the 19th century, "West of the Pecos" was a reference to the rugged frontiers of the Wild West.
On June 6, 1990, 20.5 miles (33 km) of the Pecos River - from its headwaters to the townsite of Terrerro - received National Wild and Scenic River designation. 13.5 miles (22 km) are designated "wild" and 7 miles (11 km) are designated "recreational."[1]
