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Journey back in time to El Paso, Texas, USA

Explore El Paso, Texas, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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El Paso, Texas, USA - El Paso, Texas, USA - The Golden State Limited and Union Station, El Paso, Texas

El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.

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El Paso Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

El Paso, Texas, USA - The Golden State Limited and Union Station, El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, USA

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The Golden State Limited and Union Station, El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, USA - Texas St., El Paso, Texas, looking West. The heart of business section: Two Republics Life Building
El Paso, Texas, USA

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Texas St., El Paso, Texas, looking West. The heart of business section: Two Republics Life Building and City National Bank on left.
El Paso, Texas, USA - View of Downtown El Paso
El Paso, Texas, USA

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View of Downtown El Paso

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TEXAS Roots Ceramic Mug - Texas Genealogy - Texan Family History

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Discover El Paso: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1854 - El Paso Del Norte / El Paso
El Paso, an unorganized county forming the W. extremity of Texas. It is not mentioned in the census of 1850.

El Paso, or El Passo, a post-office in the above county.

El Paso del Norte, el pa'so del nor'ti, better known as El Paso, (often written El Passo,) though not within the limits of the United States, has become so well known in connection with the unsettled national boundary question, that some notice of it seems indispensable. El Paso is properly a line of settlements, embracing a population of about 5000 souls, situated in a rich but narrow valley, which extends 9 or 10 miles along the right bank of the Rio Grande, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, 350 miles S. by W.from Santa Fe. The grape is extensively cultivated in this locality, and considerable quantities of a weak but well-flavoured wine and brandy (known to the American traders as Pass wine and Pass brandy) are made. The houses are built of adobes, or sun-dried bricks, chiefly of one story, with earthen floors. ... Read MORE...

1881 - April 14 - The Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight erupts in El Paso, Texas.

historyorb.com
April 14, 1881
1895 - El Paso
El Paso, a city, capital of El Paso co, Tex., is on the Rio Grande, 196 miles by rail N.W. of Marfa. It has 7 Churches, 4 banks, 5 newspaper offices, and public schools. Pop, in 1890, 10,338.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1895 - Flood
At 8 o'clock yesterday afternoon, dark, angry looking clouds from the east swept over the city and dropped a heavy shower of rain, and on Franklin mountain there was a regular cloud burst. The water rushed down from the mountains in little rivers, overflowing the ditch north of the Southern Pacific track and flooded San Antonio and Oregon streets; the water overflowed the sidewalks and advanced to the very doors of Stolaroff's dry goods store and the Silver Palace saloon. The alley between the Bronson block and the Astor House was a miniature river. But Street Commissioner McGlennen followed up the waters with a force of men and opened up all outlets to enable the water to pass on to the river [Rio Grande] and in this way considerable damage was averted. As the rain had ceased falling in the city before the water from the mountainside made its appearance the sidewalks were thronged with hundreds of people watching the progress of the mountain torrents. – El Paso Times.
Rio Grande Republican
Las Cruces, New Mexico
July 26, 1895
1895 - August 19 - American frontier murderer and outlaw, John Wesley Hardin, is killed by an off-duty policeman in a saloon in El Paso, Texas.

historyorb.com
August 19, 1895
1915 - Miss Corn Weds Mr. Cobb
Miss Jessie Margaret Corn and Stanley Duncan Cobb were married at noon at the home of Mrs. J. A. Corn on North Santa Fe street. When Cobb went to the clerk of records office to get the marriage license the clerk refused to issue it thinking it was a practical joke. It was not until the bride's mother insisted that the Corn-Cobb wedding was on the level that the license was issued. Cobb shelled out for the license and said he expected to be shelling out for Mrs. Cobb and the little nubbins the rest of his life. -- El Paso Dispatch Los Angeles Times.
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Fort Worth Texas
November 5, 1915
1916
El Paso, a city and port of entry, capital of El Paso co., Tex., is on the Rio Grande, 712 miles WNW. of Austin, on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, the Texas and Pacific, the Southern Pacific and the Mexican Central Rs. It has ore-smelters, iron-foundries, cigar-factories, etc., and extensive cattle interests, and exports wine from grapes grown in the district formerly known as El Paso. It is one of the chief gate-ways leading into Mexico, and is the seat of St. Joseph's Academy, a school of mines, and the Rio Grande Congregational Training School. Pop. in 1890, 10,338 ; in 1900, 15,906.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1916 - GASOLINE EXPLOSION IN EL PASO JAIL IS CAUSE OF 18 DEATHS. SEVERAL MORE TO DIE AS RESULT OF INJURIES. LIGHTED MATCH TO VAPORS IS THE CAUSE.
(By Associated Press)
El Paso, Texas, March 7. - Although the death list remains at eighteen in the jail explosion here last night, several more prisoners are expected to die. The explosion occurred in the disinfecting room where there were fifty prisoners. A lighted match ignited vapors arising from the bath, which was a mixture of gasoline, kerosene and vinegar.
An inquest and city investigation of the accident were ordered for today.

While the investigation is proceeding on this side of the river, Juarez authorities were looking for an unidentified Mexican who boarded a street car near the Juarez race track last night and shot the motorman, an American, after a report was spread that two hundred Mexicans had been thrown in jail here and deliberately burned to death. PHELPS, the motorman may die.
Brownsville Herald
Brownsville, Texas
March 7, 1916
1920 - March 22-23 - A spectacular display of the Northern Lights was visible as far south as Bradenton FL, El Paso TX, and Fresno CA.

The Weather Channel
1952 - December 14 - KROD (now KDBC) TV channel 4 in El Paso, TX (CBS) begins broadcasting

historyorb.com
1979 - July 10 - The temperature at El Paso, TX, hit 112 degrees, an all-time record for that location. The next day was 110 degrees.

The Weather Channel
July 10, 1979
El Paso has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Sun City:
1. Visit the El Paso Mission Trail: Immerse yourself in history by exploring the Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario missions. These well-preserved landmarks provide a glimpse into the region's colonial past.

2. Discover Hueco Tanks State Historic Site: This unique park is famous for its massive boulders, rock climbing opportunities, and ancient pictographs left behind by Native Americans. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.

3. Take a Scenic Drive: El Paso offers some breathtaking scenic drives. The Trans-Mountain Highway and Scenic Drive in the Franklin Mountains offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

4. Explore the Franklin Mountains State Park: Hike, bike, or simply enjoy the rugged beauty of the Franklin Mountains. The Ron Coleman Trail and Aztec Caves Trail are popular options for outdoor adventures.

5. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art: This museum houses a diverse collection of art, from European and Mexican colonial art... Read MORE...

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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in El Paso, Texas, USA

We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in El Paso.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in El Paso, Texas, USA

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Updated: 11/1/2023 7:16:30 PM