On South El Paso Street at East San Antonio Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
On this site, with Butterfield Stages rumbling by, stood a saloon operated by Ben S. Dowell, who became the first Mayor of El Paso on August 15, 1873; with Aldermen John F. Evans, John S. Gillette, Andrew Hornick, Thomas N. Massie, Joseph Schutz and . . . — — Map (db m37915) HM
On South Old Pueblo Drive south of Alameda Avenue (Texas Highway 20), on the left when traveling north.
Although the exact building date for this adobe masonry structure is unknown, it appears to have been constructed during the 1870s for Benigno Alderete (1845-1916). Born in Ysleta (now part of El Paso), Alderete served at various times as a Texas . . . — — Map (db m37981) HM
On West San Francisco Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
With the arrival of the railroads to El Paso in 1881, the train tracks marked the northern boundary of the city. As El Paso grew, the tracks divided downtown and created a time-consuming barrier for pedestrians and motorists. In the early 20th . . . — — Map (db m37855) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
El Paso has always been a transportation, agricultural, industrial and international crossroads, with a well balanced economy. Built upon a strong spiritual, cultural, governmental and educational foundation. Sunny days, crystal clear nights and . . . — — Map (db m37933) HM
On West Yandell Drive at Corto Way, on the right when traveling west on West Yandell Drive.
Prominent El Paso attorney Richard Fenner Burges (1873-1945) had this house built in 1912 by local contractor J.E. Morgan. It was altered in 1927 according to plans of architect Otto H. Thorman, resulting in its current appearance featuring . . . — — Map (db m60720) HM
Near Cottonwoods Drive, 0.8 miles north of Global Reach Drive.
The Butterfield Overland Mail was a mail and passenger stagecoach service that linked the Western and Eastern states. John Butterfield, president of the Overland Mail Company, won a federal government contact in 1857 to take and deliver mail twice . . . — — Map (db m68170) HM
On West Old Paisano Drive, 0.2 miles south of Ruhlen Court, on the right when traveling south.
Born in Kentucky. Trader in Mexico. Special U.S. Army agent in Mexican War, 1846-47. Established trading post at Magoffinville about 1850. Named state agent with Simeon Hart to receive U. S. property surrendered at Ft. Bliss, Mar, 1861 prior to . . . — — Map (db m38048) HM
This site commemorates the peaceful settlement of the Chamizal controversy, 1866 – 1963, and honors the men of goodwill, in the United States and Mexico, who made it possible.
Este sitio conmemora la resolucion amistosa de la disputa del . . . — — Map (db m118312) HM
Near East Yandell Drive near Travis Street, on the right when traveling east.
Known as Concordia during the 1840s, this area was the home of Chihuahua trader Hugh Stephenson. In 1856 his wife, Juana (Ascarate), was buried in what is now part of Concordia Cemetery. The graveyard gained widespread use in the 1880s when El . . . — — Map (db m37947) HM
If you were standing here prior to the Chamizal Treaty of 1963, you would have been on a Mexican "island" looking into the United States. Referred to as Cordova Island because it was completely surrounded by the United States, this parcel of land . . . — — Map (db m38071) HM
On East Wyoming Avenue at North Cebada Street, on the right when traveling west on East Wyoming Avenue.
Dr. Lawrence Aaron Nixon was a pivotal figure in Texas civil rights. Born in Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, he attended Wiley College and Meharry Medical College and became a physician. He began his medical practice in Cameron, Milam County. In . . . — — Map (db m60729) HM
On North Oregon Street at Mills Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Oregon Street.
The regal highway extending between his Catholic majesty's far flung kingdoms of New Spain, from Mexico City to the Kingdom of New Mexico, passed here. From 1581 onward it was the route followed by conqueror, padre, merchant, adventurer and settler. . . . — — Map (db m239454) HM
On South El Paso Street, on the right when traveling north.
Inhabited by various Indian tribes prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, El Paso has played an important role in the history of Mexico and the United States. Its four centuries of recorded history span periods of Spanish . . . — — Map (db m37809) HM
On West San Antonio Avenue east of West Paisano Drive (U.S. 85), on the right when traveling east.
One of the oldest survivors of America's steam railroading era, this locomotive was built 29 years after the steam engine was first developed for transportation. Breese, Kneeland & Company of Jersey City, New Jersey also operated as the New York . . . — — Map (db m37851) HM
On North Mesa Street (State Highway 20) at East Main Street, on the left on North Mesa Street.
Voted 871 to 2 for secession. At start of Civil War Minutemen were organized to provide frontier protection. The San Elizario Spy Company was mustered into Confederate service on July 11, 1861. El Paso was the springboard and supply point for 1861-2 . . . — — Map (db m48627) HM
Near West Paisano Drive, on the right when traveling south.
On May 4, 1598, Don Juan de Oñate, Adelantado and Capitain-General, Governor of New Mexico, first named El Paso del Rio del Norte.
Through this old pass, the lowest snow-free feasible route from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Rocky . . . — — Map (db m24743) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
El Paso International Airport. One of the nation's finest and busiest major airports and general aviation centers, dedicated in 1928. Elevation is 3,936 feet with a total area of 3,878 acres and tremendous runways measuring up to 12,000 feet. . . . — — Map (db m37882) HM
On South Sante Fe Street (State Highway 375) at Montestruc Court, on the right when traveling south on South Sante Fe Street.
El Paso Laundry and Cleaners CompanyThe El Paso Laundry and Cleaners Company was established in 1891 and moved to this site in 1897. Strategically located alongside the Rio Grande just a few hundred yards from the streets of Ciudad Juarez, the . . . — — Map (db m60743) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
El Paso Lower Valley Missions
Ysleta Mission -- 1681. Ysleta, the oldest community in Texas, claims the most steadily cultivated plot of land in the U.S.
Socorro Mission -- 1682. Regarded as the oldest active parish church in the . . . — — Map (db m37890) HM
Near West Paisano Drive (U.S. 85) at South Coldwell Street, on the right when traveling west.
This Union Station was built in 1904-05 as a center for El Paso's international railroad traffic. Constructed under the direction of Buchanan and Powers, general contractors, it was designed by the noted Chicago architectural firm of Daniel H. . . . — — Map (db m60718) HM
On West Mills Avenue, on the left when traveling west.
Chinese immigrants first arrived in El Paso shortly before the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its line here in 1881. The earliest immigrants opened a rooming house and a grocery store. Soon afterwards, the U.S. Government passed the Chinese . . . — — Map (db m37904) HM
On South El Paso Street at Pioneer Plaza, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
El Paso del Norte where the Centuries Meet
El Paso's First Newspaper
Near this spot in 1860, grew a cottonwood tree on whose broad breast were posted many public and private notices. In one of these on August 6th, 1860, Anson Mills . . . — — Map (db m37910) HM
On Texas Avenue at North Mesa Street, on the right when traveling west on Texas Avenue.
Elite Confectionary
The Elite Confectionary was located on the ground floor of the Buckler Building and was a popular soda fountain in the early years of the 20th century. It was noted for its chocolate covered ice cream baseballs along with . . . — — Map (db m37798) HM
Estela Portillo Trambley (1926-1998), an El Paso native, was an award-winning fiction writer, playwright and poet known for her vivid portrayals of strong and independent Mexican and Mexican American women in Texas and its borderlands. Recognized as . . . — — Map (db m118314) HM
On West Montana Avenue north of North St Vrain Street, on the right when traveling west.
The first meeting of Baptists in El Paso was held on August 26, 1882, at the home of Maj. and Mrs. W.F. Fewel, under the leadership of the Rev. George Baines, Jr. One week later he directed the formation of this congregation, which was chartered . . . — — Map (db m60723) HM
On Robert E. Lee Road, 0.1 miles west of Airport Road, on the right when traveling west.
In 1849, U.S. troops led by Maj. Jefferson Van Horne established a post in what is now downtown El Paso to secure territory gained in the U.S.-Mexico War, 1846-48. It moved several times: to Magoffinsville in 1854; to Camp Concordia in 1868; back . . . — — Map (db m85628) HM
Near North Stevens Street, 0.1 miles south of East Yandell Drive.
History
In 1866, One year after the end of the Civil War and more than six months after the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was enacted Congress had the need to reorganize the peacetime Regular Army. Recognizing the Military merits of Black . . . — — Map (db m38367) HM
Surrendered with property and $20,000 to Texas Confederates on March 21, 1861. From old fort, the South launched the New Mexico-Arizona campaign. Later, Confederates abandoned and destroyed most of fort and equipment, except for hospital and medical . . . — — Map (db m239456) HM
On South El Paso Street at Pioneer Plaza, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
English:
Fray García was born in Old Castile, Spain and traveled to Mexico in 1629 where he became a Franciscan priest serving in the Province of New Mexico. In 1659 he established the Manso Indian Mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the . . . — — Map (db m37913) HM
On Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road (State Highway 375) 2.5 miles west of Patriot Freeway (U.S. 54), on the right when traveling east.
Below is Fusselman Canyon, which follows the Fusselman Canyon Fault, a major natural cut into the Franklin Mountains. For centuries it has served as a natural corridor for the movement of people, goods and livestock between the river valley to the . . . — — Map (db m59163) HM
On Frutas Avenue at North San Marcial Street, on the right when traveling west on Frutas Avenue.
This Romanesque revival style building was constructed in 1908, soon after the church was founded by the Rev. Carlos M. Pinto, S.J. (1841-1919). A Jesuit priest who began several missions in the El Paso area, Pinto also drew plans and supervised the . . . — — Map (db m60726) HM
Near Alameda Avenue (State Highway 20) north of North Washington Street.
Henry C. Trost was one of the most prolific architects of the American Southwest. His history is closely tied to that of his chosen base of operation, El Paso. Ohio native Trost was strongly influenced by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, as . . . — — Map (db m68246) HM
On East Wyoming Avenue at North Cebada Street, on the right when traveling west on East Wyoming Avenue.
Henry Ossian Flipper (1856-1940) was the first African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877. Born into slavery in Thomasville, Georgia, he came from a family of achievers; his brothers were an African . . . — — Map (db m60727) HM
On North Oregon Avenue at Mills Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Oregon Avenue.
Historic Sidewalk Clock
This sidewalk clock has marked time in downtown El Paso since 1911. Made by the E. Howard & company of Boston, Massachusetts it is a masterpiece of cast-iron workmanship featuring two large round faces and mounted on a . . . — — Map (db m37801) HM
On North Mesa Street south of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
Alzina DeGroff bought the Vendome Hotel at this site in 1899, renaming it Hotel Orndorff after her first husband. Noted architect Henry C. Trost designed a new building for her, which opened in 1926. Renamed Hotel Cortez in 1935, this brick . . . — — Map (db m37803) HM
On South El Paso Street at East San Antonio Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
This brick and terra cotta structure was the "dream hotel" of early El Paso businessman and promoter Zach White. White came to the town in 1881 and recognized El Paso's great potential as a gateway to Mexico. He worked hard to help the city realize . . . — — Map (db m37850) HM
The west's most feared
gunman, killer of at
least 26 men, was shot
dead in the Acme Saloon
on this site Aug. 19,
1895.
Hardin was shot in the
back of the head by El
Paso constable John
Selman.
At Selman's trial
witnesses . . . — — Map (db m24741) HM
Born in Bonham, Texas, John Wesley Hardin was named for the founder of Methodism. "Wes" Hardin grew into a family man, cowboy, and outlaw who claimed to have killed more than 30 men. An unusual sort of gunslinger, Hardin considered himself a pillar . . . — — Map (db m38070) HM
On South El Paso Street north of East Paisono Drive (U.S. 85), on the left when traveling north.
317 South El Paso Street was the site of a leading pro-Villista Spanish language newspaper, La Patria, published by Silvestre Terrazas, a member of the oligarchic Chihuahuan Terrazas family. Terrazas wrote for La Revista Catolica and . . . — — Map (db m60744) HM
On South El Paso Street at Pioneer Plaza, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
The League of United Latin Citizens (LULAC) was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1929, dedicated to the betterment of Americans of Mexican descent. The league soon expanded to El Paso with the establishment of LULAC Council 8 in 1933 and Council . . . — — Map (db m118077) HM
On Ewald Kipp Way, on the right when traveling south.
In the spring of 1911 Pascual Orozco and Francisco "Pancho" Villa amassed their revolutionary forces on the outskirts of Ciudad Juárez and were soon joined by Francisco I. Madero. The Madero Camp, which stood across the river from this site, became . . . — — Map (db m38100) HM
On Magoffin Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Joseph Magoffin (1837-1923), son of James Wiley Magoffin, one of the founders of the city, settled in El Paso in 1856. He held many offices: Collector of Customs, County Judge, and Mayor for four terms. In 1875, six years before railroads reached El . . . — — Map (db m38087) HM
On Magoffin Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
One of four population centers during the early period of American settlement of the present El Paso area, Magoffinsville was founded by Kentucky native James Wiley Magoffin (1799-1868). In 1849, he began acquiring land in this vicinity. The . . . — — Map (db m38086) HM
On West Old Paisano Drive, 0.2 miles south of Ruhlen Court, on the right when traveling south.
Born New York moved to El Paso 1861, founded Hart's Mill that ground out 100 barrels flour a day and sold to buyers from Arizona to San Antonio. When the Civil War came he was the main source for securing military supplies for the Arizona-New Mexico . . . — — Map (db m38043) HM
On South El Paso Street at East Overland Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
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. . . . — — Map (db m60745) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Mount Cristo Rey
High above the point where the states of Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua intersect stands an impressive monument at the summit of Sierra de Cristo Rey, portraying Christ on the cross. The dream of the small parish of San Jose . . . — — Map (db m37930) HM
On North Stanton Street at Myrtle Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Stanton Street.
To the memory of nine of primitive El Paso's patriotic heroes Emmett Mills
Aged 19
Freeman Thomas - Joe Poacher
M. Champion - John Pontel
Bob Avlin - John Wilson
Who in July 1861 were loyal citizens of El Paso, Texas and Loyal . . . — — Map (db m37902) HM
On North El Paso Street north of West Yandell Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Congregation B'Nai Zion was chartered in 1900, and the 35 members initially met in private homes or rented space. This building, the first Jewish synagogue in El Paso, was completed in 1912. The structure features an unusual combination of classical . . . — — Map (db m60722) HM
On West Missouri Avenue at North Coldwell Street, on the right when traveling south on West Missouri Avenue.
Composed primarily of early twentieth-century residential apartment buildings, this historic neighborhood was developed during a period of major growth in El Paso. Most of the structures were built of brick, stone, or wood between 1908 and 1923 and . . . — — Map (db m68168) HM
Near South Zaragoza Road at Alameda Avenue (State Highway 20).
Originally founded in 1613 at Isleta Pueblo, in New Mexico, and dedicated in 1621 as San Antonio de Isleta. Removed to El Paso area, 1680 (during Pueblo Revolt), by Tigua Indians who brought along the Patron Saint as they accompanied fleeing . . . — — Map (db m118309) HM
Dedicated in memory to all those personnel of the United States Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy who gave their lives, December 7, 1941.
Keep America Alert! — — Map (db m101368) WM
On South El Paso Street, on the right when traveling north.
Pioneer Plaza was the center of public activity in early El Paso. A United States military guard was posted here in the late 1870s to defend citizens from Apache Indian attacks, and military bands performed in the plaza.
An irrigation ditch . . . — — Map (db m37807) HM
On Alameda Avenue at Valdespino Street, on the right when traveling north on Alameda Avenue.
Approximate site of
the Mission and Pueblo of
San Antonio
de Senecú
Established by Don Antonio de Otermín and Father Fray Francisco Ayeta. O.F.M. in 1682 - Maintained by Franciscan missionaries for the civilizing and Christianizing of the . . . — — Map (db m37951) HM
Near North Oregon Street south of East Main Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m37799) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
As early as 1881, El Paso leaders promoted the idea of creating a place along the base of the Franklin Mountains to provide visitors a panoramic view of the area. The automobile brought new attention to the idea, and in 1920, the city council and . . . — — Map (db m37872) HM
On Texas Avenue (State Highway 20), on the right when traveling west.
Completed in 1928 for the Singer Company, this Spanish colonial revival style structure was designed by noted El Paso architect Henry Trost. For more than 50 years the ground floor served as Singer's Retail Store, while the second story was occupied . . . — — Map (db m37797) HM
On North Martinez Street at Rosa Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Martinez Street.
When the U.S. Army returned to this area after the Civil War, conditions proved undesirable at the prewar post, Fort Bliss at Magoffinsville. In 1868 the garrison moved to this location, then part of the Concordia Ranch. The new post was named Camp . . . — — Map (db m68278) HM
On South Zaragoza Road at Texas Highway 20 on South Zaragoza Road. Reported missing.
Founded in 1682 By Don Antonio de Otermin and Padre
Fray Francisco Ayeta O.F.M.
for the civilizing and Christianizing of the Tigua Indians, Pueblo Revolt refugees, formally located at La Ysleta, New Mexico. Building damaged by floods of the Rio . . . — — Map (db m118313) HM
On North Oregon Street, on the right when traveling north.
The United States Courthouse, which stood on this site from 1892 to 1936, was the scene of hundreds of arraignments, hearings and trials during the Mexican Revolution. Some of these legal proceedings involved Magónistas, or radical Liberal . . . — — Map (db m37916) HM
On Ewald Kipp WayMarker, on the right when traveling south.
The Kansas City Consolidated Smelting and Refining Company came to El Paso in the late 19th century, creating a mining and smelting center for the Southwest. In 1899, the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) bought the operation and . . . — — Map (db m38098) HM
On North Cotton Street, on the left when traveling north.
In the late 1800s medical treatment of Tuberculosis called for isolation of the patient and complete rest. After the turn of the century research showed that bacteria responsible for the transmission of the communicable disease could be destroyed by . . . — — Map (db m37935) HM
On South El Paso Street at East Overland Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South El Paso Street.
This block was the site of the stage station of the Southern Overland Mail line which connected St. Louis and San Francisco with a semi-weekly stage and mail service, 1858-1861. — — Map (db m60719) HM
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m37948) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Texas Western College
In 1913 the Texas Legislature authorized the establishment of the School of Mines and Metallurgy as a branch of the University of Texas at El Paso. The name of this great co-educational, cultural and economic asset was . . . — — Map (db m37932) HM
On West Old Paisano Drive, 0.2 miles south of Ruhlen Court, on the right when traveling south.
For more than 200 years the Camino Real, or Royal Road, was the major route for transporting commercial goods from Mexico City and Chihuahua to Santa Fe and Taos. First traveled by Juan de Oñate during his 1598 expedition to New Mexico, the Camino . . . — — Map (db m118283) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
A change in the course of the Rio Grande in the 1860s in the vicinity of El Paso - Ciudad Juarez transferred less than one square mile from the south side of the river to the north side, yet it resulted in an international land dispute as tough and . . . — — Map (db m37893) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Before you stands
The City of El Paso
in the valley of the Rio Grande
and across is
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
To the far right is the river's southern exit
through the famed Pass of the North from which
El Paso takes its name. . . . — — Map (db m37931) HM
was established by the Woman's Club of El Paso in 1892. Two years before formal organization, Mrs. Ernest Kohlberg, with the aid of Mrs. J. E. Townsend and Mrs. H. A. True advanced the idea.
Classes were held in Central School building. This was . . . — — Map (db m37806) HM
On North Mesa Street at West Mills Avenue, on the left when traveling north on North Mesa Street.
By authority of War Department Orders of November 7, 1848
The First United States Soldiers
to be stationed at the Pass of the North
Camped in this Area
Regimental Headquarters and Six Companies
of the Third Infantry
Major . . . — — Map (db m37903) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Cabeza de Vaca Peak, elevation 7,152, is eight miles north from where you stand on the scenic point. History records that these rugged limestone mountains, from which stones were hewn and spring water was drawn to build El Paso, were named for the . . . — — Map (db m37891) HM
On North Stanton Street, on the left when traveling north.
This seven-story commercial building was constructed in 1917 by businessmen M. D. Roberts and William Martin Banner, for whom it was named. Designed by the architectural firm of Brauhton and Leibert, it features Chicago style detailing in the use of . . . — — Map (db m37954) HM
The leaders of The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints were looking to Mexico as a possible colonization site. By the spring of 1875, nearly 100 pages of selected passages from the Book of Mormon had been translated into Spanish for . . . — — Map (db m38069) HM
Working on the theory that explosives could cause rainfall because many war battles had been followed by rain, the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted experiments in rainmaking. During a West Texas drought in 1891 the agency brought the . . . — — Map (db m4788) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
To the southeast is the El Paso - Juarez Valley.
Here, and in the adjoining valley north of the pass, agricultural production of cotton and other crops is among the highest on the continent. This is a tribute to the stalwart men who put to their . . . — — Map (db m37892) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Ahead is the Rio Grande. This great river formed the valley in the vista before you. Its meandering course was established as the boundary between the United States and Mexico by treaty in 1848.
The straight channel in the foreground is a . . . — — Map (db m37888) HM
On South El Paso Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Study Circle of 1889 became the Current Topics Club when formally organized in May of 1894 in the home of Mrs. W. W. Mills, 310 San Francisco Street. In the fall of this year the club began meeting in the library room of Miss Mary I. Stanton in . . . — — Map (db m37805) HM
Near Alameda Avenue (State Highway 20) north of North Washington Street.
A master sculptor, Urbici Soler apprenticed under artists in his native Spain before studying and working in Germany, southern Europe, South America, and Mexico. In 1937 he came to El Paso to begin work on the statue "Cristo Rey," which stands on a . . . — — Map (db m68225) HM
Near Alameda Avenue (State Highway 20) north of North Washington Street.
Commander of federal forces during the Mexican Revolution, Victoriano Huerta (b. 1854) became President of Mexico in 1913, after the arrest and before the assassination of Francisco Madero. Huerta resigned a year later and went into exile. In 1915, . . . — — Map (db m68237) HM
On Scenic Drive, on the right when traveling east.
William Beaumont General Hospital
This famous army hospital opened in 1921 and was named for Major & Surgeon William Beaumont, who distinguished himself as an army surgeon during the war of 1812. Later his observations of the stomach of . . . — — Map (db m37874) HM
On State Highway 20, 0.1 miles east of Old Pueblo Drive, on the left when traveling east.
The present site of the Ysleta Neighborhood Health Clinic was part of the earliest Native American settlement associated with a Spanish Mission in the State of Texas, circa 1680 – 1750 A.D.
In 1989-1990, archaeologists conducted . . . — — Map (db m38088) HM
