San Elizario in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Salt War
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 4, 2010
1. Salt War Marker
Inscription.
Salt War. . The Salt War rose from political conflicts in El Paso County and from the controversies over control of the salt lakes east of El Paso that for centuries had been a free source of salt for local residents. In 1877 Charles Howard, a former county judge who claimed ownership of the lakes, shot political adversary Luis Cardis over the issue of the salt beds. While under the protection of state troops in San Elizario, Howard and several troopers where killed by a riotous mob. Federal and state investigations of the Salt War led to the reestablishment of Fort Bliss in 1878.
The Salt War rose from political conflicts in El Paso County and from the controversies over control of the salt lakes east of El Paso that for centuries had been a free source of salt for local residents. In 1877 Charles Howard, a former county judge who claimed ownership of the lakes, shot political adversary Luis Cardis over the issue of the salt beds. While under the protection of state troops in San Elizario, Howard and several troopers where killed by a riotous mob. Federal and state investigations of the Salt War led to the reestablishment of Fort Bliss in 1878.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4502.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 31° 35.119′ N, 106° 16.383′ W. Marker is in San Elizario, Texas, in El Paso County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of San Elizario Road and Church Street. Marker is located at the San Elizario Memorial Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario TX 79849, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 800 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on June 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
