The San Jacinto Plaza is located in the center of downtown El Paso, Texas. It has played a significant role throughout history and is treasured by locals.
1. It Was Home to Many Alligators
One of the most surprising things about this plaza is that the land was once home to several alligators. The alligators settled into a walled pond that was created by John Fisher Sattherwaite, the park commissioner. For years, people would come to see the alligators, and it became one of the city’s main attractions!
However, they were removed in 1965, returned to the pond in 1972, and finally permanently removed in 1974. Luis Jiménez’s fiberglass sculpture of alligators serves to remind visitors of the area’s past.
2. It Hosts the Lighting of the City Christmas Tree
Since 1954, the plaza has hosted the city Christmas tree. Its lighting represents the beginning of the holiday festivities and is watched by thousands. The plaza also hosts booths and vendors around the holiday season, so visitors can find gifts, food, and crafts!
3. It Was Named After the Battle for Texas Independence
This plaza received its name from the Battle of San Jacinto which took place in present-day Houston. General Samuel Houston and the Texan Army swiftly defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna and the Mexican army in this decisive Texas Revolution battle.
4. It Hosted Taft and Díaz’s First Meeting
In October of 1909, President William Howard Taft of the United States and President Porfirio Díaz of Mexico met for the first time in this plaza. It was also the first time a Mexican president and an American president had met, and it was described as the “Most Eventful Diplomatic Event in the History of the Two Nations” by the press.
5. It Recently Underwent a Renovation
SWA, a landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm, was responsible for the plaza’s renovation. SWA used community input to update the plaza and merged existing formal axial paths with bridges and informal paths. SWA also restored Los Lagartos, Luis Jiménez’s alligator sculpture.
As part of the renovation, the plaza received a full-service cafe, outdoor seating, and more than 120 new trees. The renovation also brought a horseshoe court, table tennis tables, chess tables, a splash pad, and an arroyo (or stream) that collects water and mitigates stormwater runoff to help the plants in the area. Today, the plaza is great for bike rides, picnics, concerts, yoga sessions, and more!
6. It’s a Lone Star Legacy Park
The plaza was designated as a Lone Star Legacy Park in 2015 due to its historical prominence to the local community as well as the state of Texas. This is one of the highest honors that a park can receive, and the plaza is a well-deserving recipient.
As you can see, the great city of El Paso has an incredible history just waiting to be explored! Start making your plans for a visit today and enjoy the attraction!
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