El Paso

by The Linguist

El Paso, Texas

El Paso is a city located in western Texas right along the border with Mexico. With a population of over 678,000 as of the 2020 census, it is the 23rd most populous city in the United States and anchors the 6th largest metropolitan statistical area in Texas. El Paso is the seat of El Paso County. The city has a rich history and culture that spans centuries.

History

Evidence shows that people inhabited the El Paso region as early as 10,000 BC. The Manso, Suma, and Jumano tribes followed. El Paso del Norte (present-day Ciudad Juárez) was founded south of the Rio Grande in 1659 by Spanish conquistadors. El Paso as we know it today was established in 1827. It was incorporated in 1873 and named the county seat of El Paso County. The arrival of railroads in 1881 transformed El Paso into a booming commercial hub and important trade link between the United States and Mexico. During the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century, El Paso served as a major gateway for refugees from Mexico. It continues to celebrate its blending of American and Mexican cultures to this day. For more on the history of El Paso, visit the El Paso, Texas Wikipedia page.

Population

As of the 2020 census, the population of El Paso was 678,815 residents. It is the 6th most populous city in Texas and the 23rd most populous city in the United States. The El Paso metropolitan area, which includes El Paso County, had a population of 840,758. El Paso is a majority Hispanic or Latino city, with 82.9% of residents identifying as such in the 2020 census.

Economy

El Paso has a robust international trade economy thanks to its prime border location. Its economy relies heavily on manufacturing, international trade, military spending, and tourism. Some major companies headquartered in El Paso include Western Refining, Fred Loya Insurance, Helen of Troy Limited, and Elsag Datamat. Nearby Fort Bliss also contributes greatly to the local economy. In 2021, El Paso’s gross domestic product was $31 billion, making it the 73rd largest metropolitan economy in the US (source). Major industries include call centers, advanced engineering and manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.

Landmarks

Some of El Paso’s top landmarks and attractions include:

  • El Paso Mission Trail – Historic missions dating back to the 1600s
  • Franklin Mountains State Park – Largest urban park in the US with hiking trails and wildlife
  • Wyler Aerial Tramway – Gondola ride up the Franklin Mountains with panoramic views
  • El Paso Zoo – 35 acre zoo housing 220 animal species
  • Plaza Theatre – Historic 1930s movie palace hosting concerts and performances
  • Magoffin Home State Historic Site – Victorian-era historic home, built in 1875
  • Chamizal National Memorial – Commemorates the peaceful resolution to a 100-year border dispute
  • McKelligon Canyon – Hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the Franklin Mountains

Some key landmarks with GPS coordinates:

  • Plaza Theatre – (31.758444, -106.487777) 231 W San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
  • Magoffin Home State Historic Site – (31.769009, -106.482958) 1120 Magoffin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
  • Chamizal National Memorial – (31.771803, -106.455167) 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905

County Information

El Paso is located in El Paso County. The county seat is El Paso. The El Paso County Courthouse is located at 500 E. San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901. The phone number for El Paso County is (915) 546-2000. The El Paso County website is www.epcounty.com.

School Districts

There are several school districts serving the El Paso area, including:

Local Resources

Here are some other useful local resources in El Paso:

Some of the largest employers in El Paso include Fort Bliss, University Medical Center of El Paso, El Paso Independent School District, Ysleta Independent School District, T & T Staff Management, El Paso County, and Socorro Independent School District. The local economy has a strong foundation supported by public services, education, healthcare, local businesses, tourism, and of course the presence of Fort Bliss.