Downtown El Paso in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Montgomery Building
(false front)
⎯⎯⎯
(fachada simulada)
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 21, 2012
1. Montgomery Building Marker
The Montgomery building is the last surviving false-front wood structure in the city of El Paso. It was built in 1881-1882 as El Paso underwent a great transformation from an adobe village to a thriving city following the arrival of the railroads. Named for its builder, William J. Montgomery (1837-1899), the Montgomery Building was typical of western frontier architecture of the late 19th century.
The simple box-shaped building is noted by a decorative wood cornice that can still be seen above the remodeled storefront. There was a wood sidewalk covered by a shed roof and a hitching post for horses. Originally, the building housed a drug store and bookstore. This address has been in continuous use since 1882, making it the oldest commercial structure in the city of El Paso.
(fachada simulada)
El edificio sencillo en forma de caja es notable por una cornisa decorativa de madera que aun se puede apreciar encima de la fachada remodelada. Existía una banqueta de madera cubierta por un tejavan y un poste para amarrar caballos. Originalmente, el edificio servío (sic, servió) de botica y librería. El edificio se ha utilizado de manera continua desde 1882, haciéndolo la más antigua estructura comercial en la ciudad de El Paso.
Erected by El
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 31° 45.425′ N, 106° 29.32′ W. Marker is in El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County. It is in Downtown El Paso. It is at the intersection of South El Paso Street and East Overland Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 South El Paso Street, 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: Stage Station (within shouting distance of this marker); A City Is Born (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 21, 2012
2. Montgomery Building Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 21, 2012
3. Montgomery Building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,234 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
