El Paso has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. If you’re interested in learning more about this history, you’ll find several amazing attractions around the city that will give you an up-close look. Explore El Paso’s captivating history when you check out these top historic sites around the city.
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El Paso Mission Trail
The El Paso Mission Trail stretches 9 miles through the city and takes you past three beautiful and historic missions. Stop one on the trail is the Ysleta Mission, which was founded in 1660 and is the oldest active mission in the state. Next up you can visit the Socorro Mission, which was founded in 1680. The last mission you’ll visit on the trail is the San Elceario Mission. Along with the missions, the trail is also home to museums, art galleries, landmarks, and restaurants.
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Magoffin Home State Historic Site
The Magoffin Home was built in 1875 for pioneer and politician Joseph Magoffin and his wife, Octavia. This multicultural family played an active role in U.S. expansion in the El Paso area. Magoffin used his substantial landholdings in the region to help bring utilities, railroads, and new businesses to El Paso. Today you can tour the 19-room Magoffin Home State Historic Site to learn more about the family’s history and view some of the original home furnishings.
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Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Thanks to the pictographs and petroglyphs left on the rocks by early hunter-gatherers from Native American tribes who once lived in the region, we know that people have been visiting the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site area for thousands of years. They came to this special desert sanctuary because the rock basins, or huecos, create natural pools of precious water. Today, you can take one of the guided or self-guided tours through this protected area to learn more about the people who once lived here and the interesting geology of the area.
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El Paso Museum of History
If you’re looking for one place where you can explore the culture and rich history of El Paso, the El Paso Museum of History is the place to go. Here you’ll find a variety of exhibits that look at 400 years of the region’s history. One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Wall of Giants, which is an annual display that honors an icon who has impacted the city. You’ll also find exhibits that explore the development of El Paso from a frontier town to a booming city.
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Concordia Cemetery
Concordia Cemetery is a burial ground in El Paso with over 60,000 graves, including several infamous gunslingers and American frontier lawmen. As you tour the cemetery, stop by the grave of notorious gunslinger John Wesley Hardin, who was one of the most dangerous gunmen in Texas. You can also visit the area in the cemetery set aside for Buffalo Soldiers.
As you visit these historic sites in El Paso, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history of this beautiful city and its people.
Image via VisitElPaso | Licensed under CC BY 2.0
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