carranza memorial

Amazing early aviation history to share with kids. Emilio Carranza was a international aviation pioneer that crashed tragically in a storm while attempting to return to Mexico. It is quite a large monument in the middle of the Pinelands that marks the site of the crash. I have heard that school children raised the money for the monument.Access point to the Batona Trail where you can head south to Batsto (13 miles). Batona Trail is very well marked in Pink but crosses many trails, roads, and fire ditches - so pay attention.

It is one of my favorite places in pine barrens of New Jersey. A monument to Emilio Carranza a Mexican aviation pioneer who died here in a crash while on humanitarian mission. There is a parking behind the monument ( with simple bathroom facilities) and nearby trail heads where one can pick up the famous Batona Trail and the trail from the Carranza Monument to the Apple Pie Hill. This all area is frequented by scout troupes and hikers. There is a paved road to the monument.

"A 12 ft (3.6 m) monument in the Wharton State Forest in Tabernacle Township, New Jersey marks the site of his crash39°46′38.6″N 74°37′56.6″W. The monument depicts a falling eagle of Aztec design. Every July on the Saturday nearest the anniversary of his crash (second Saturday in July) at 1:00 p.m. he is honored at the monument site by members of the American Legion Mount Holly Post 11 accompanied by an entourage from the Mexican consulates in New York City and Philadelphia." Exerpt taken from Wikipedia. If you happen to be driving through the pine barrens, it is a very short stop for some international culture. There are no facilities, just a monument and some hidden hiking trails.