Grew from earlier settlements dating back to the Juan de Oñate expedition in 1598 and a settlement by Juan Maria Ponce de León in 1827, although area missions predate that...
Grew from earlier settlements dating back to the Juan de Oñate expedition in 1598 and a settlement by Juan Maria Ponce de León in 1827, although area missions predate that civil settlement by almost 150 years. Largest U.S. city on Mexican border; neighboring Juárez, is Mexico’s largest border city. Combined populations are about two million. Located in ancient mountain pass from which the name derived; surrounded by mile-high peaks.
Symphony orchestra, theater, museums, libraries, and diversified sporting activities, including horse racing, polo, tennis, football and basketball. Also, a bright new symbol shines nightly on the west horizon, a 459-foot star that contains 459 lights and can be seen from 100 miles in the air and 30 miles on the ground. Visible daily from 6 p.m. to midnight on the south side of the Franklin Mountains.
El Pasoans celebrate Thanksgiving in spring and claim the first celebration was 23 years before the pilgrims’ celebration. Gasper Perez de Villagra documented the hard journey of Juan de Oñate’s expedition. Oñate and his travelers crossed the Rio Grande near El Paso on April 20, 1598, and feasted in thanksgiving.
Professional sports abound throughout the year with the AA Texas League baseball team, El Paso Diablos, the El Paso Patriots, an A-League soccer team, the El Paso Buzzards, Western Professional Hockey League and the El Paso Scorpions rugby club. In addition, Sun Bowl Stadium is home to the annual Sun Bowl Football Classic, one of college football’s best-known and the second-oldest bowl game (behind the Rose Bowl).
A 90-minute, self-guided walking tour is available, which begins in San Jacinto Plaza (original site of Ponce de Leon’s ranch), winds through downtown
El Paso, then ends on Mills St. A scenic drive is also available, which includes a breathtaking view at its highest point that encompasses two cities, three states and two countries.
Interested in a two-pound steak? Inquire about the Indian Cliffs Ranch/ Cattleman’s Steakhouse 30 minutes east of the city on I-10. Take Fabens Exit 49, turn north. 915/544-3200.