Downtown El Paso in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

San Jacinto Plaza

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

1. San Jacinto Plaza Marker

Inscription. In 1857, W. T. Smith sold his property which he called "The Town of El Paso" for $6500.00. The buyers were J. S. and H. S. Gillette, J. F. Crosby, J. W. Morton and V. St. Vrain; they had it surveyed by Anson Mills. The map showed downtown El Paso much as it is today, including a "public square" which they donated to the future city of El Paso, incorporated in 1873. This plot of ground, a haven for the weary traveler, has seen and heard the life of this area march by since Spanish colonial times. It saw rumbling ox-drawn carts, the first U.S. soldiers, covered wagons, then Jeff Davis's Camel Corps, stage coaches, the blast of six-guns and the first locomotive whistles, and law and order emerging. The years brought concerts, political and patriotic speeches, presidents visiting and marching soldiers of our wars. It was designated "The Plaza" by the 1889 city fathers, but the 1902 council permanently and officially named it San Jacinto Plaza.

Erected 1965 by The State National Bank of El Paso.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 31° 45.575′ N,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

106° 29.317′ W. Marker is in El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County. It is in Downtown El Paso. It can be reached from North Oregon Street south of East Main Street. Marker is located at the San Jacinto Plaza, near the Oregon Street side. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 E Mills Ave, El Paso TX 79901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Camino Real (a few steps from this marker); Historic Sidewalk Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); First Encounter Between President William H. Taft and President Porfirio Díaz (within shouting distance of this marker); The First United States Soldiers to Be Stationed at the Pass of the North

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

2. San Jacinto Plaza Marker

Marker is on the left side of gazebo.

(within shouting distance of this marker); El Paso County (within shouting distance of this marker); El Paso's Chinese Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Cortez (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of United States Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Paso.

San Jacinto Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

3. San Jacinto Plaza

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,325 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 11, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.