20 Fun Facts About El Paso Texas

El Paso, Texas, often referred to as the Sun City due to its averaging over 300 sunny days per year, is a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled at the western tip of Texas, where three states and two countries meet, El Paso is a vibrant community that offers a unique blend of Old West and traditional Mexican culture. Here are 20 fun facts that highlight the unique aspects of El Paso:

1. A Trilingual City

El Paso is predominantly bilingual, with many residents speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Additionally, due to its proximity to New Mexico, some of the population also speaks Navajo.

2. Bhutanese Influence in Architecture

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus features buildings inspired by Bhutanese architecture, a style rare in the United States. This unique design choice was inspired by a 1914 National Geographic article admired by the wife of the university’s first dean.

3. Oldest Mission in Texas

The Ysleta Mission, located in El Paso’s Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, is the oldest continuously operated parish in Texas, established in 1680.

4. Largest Urban Park in the Nation

Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States that lies entirely within city limits, covering over 24,000 acres.

5. Birthplace of the Margarita

Legend has it that the first margarita was mixed in El Paso at Tommy’s Place Bar in 1945 by bartender Francisco “Pancho” Morales.

6. Home to a Unique Zoo

The El Paso Zoo stands out for its focus on desert wildlife, offering exhibits that highlight animals from similar climates around the world.

7. A Record-Breaking High School Stadium

El Paso’s Jones Stadium at El Paso High is one of the oldest operating high school stadiums in the country, offering stunning views of downtown and the mountains.

8. A Long History of Rodeo

The first rodeo in El Paso was held in 1883, making it one of the earliest places in the United States to host such an event.

9. Historic Theater

The Plaza Theatre, a historic building in downtown El Paso, has been a major entertainment venue since 1930 and is famously known for its atmospheric theater architecture that simulates a night sky.

10. International Flavor

The Chamizal Festival, an annual event, celebrates the peaceful resolution of a long-standing border dispute between the USA and Mexico with music, art, and cultural performances.

11. Tigua Indian Cultural Center

The Tigua Indian Cultural Center offers a look at the rich history and traditions of the Tigua Indians, the indigenous people of the El Paso area.

12. A City of Festivals

El Paso hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Fiesta de las Flores, one of the oldest Hispanic festivals in the Southwest.

13. Vincent van Gogh Connection

A replica of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” is painted on an El Paso corn silo, visible to travelers on Interstate 10.

14. Military Importance

Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes of the United States Army, calls El Paso home and greatly impacts the local economy and culture.

15. Sun Bowl

The Sun Bowl, one of the oldest college bowl games, has been played annually in El Paso since 1935.

16. Gateway to the Stars

The Gene Roddenberry Planetarium, named after the creator of “Star Trek” who was born in El Paso, offers educational programs about space and astronomy.

17. Pecan Farming

El Paso County is one of the largest producers of pecans in Texas, contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural output.

18. Underground Tunnels

Legend has it that a network of tunnels exists beneath downtown El Paso, once used for smuggling during the Prohibition era.

19. Music Heritage

Country music legend Marty Robbins immortalized El Paso in his Grammy-winning song, “El Paso,” adding to the city’s cultural legacy.

20. Unique Landscape

El Paso is one of the few places where the Rocky Mountains meet the Chihuahuan Desert, creating a unique natural landscape.

Conclusion

El Paso, Texas, is a city of surprising diversity and depth, boasting a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. These 20 fun facts barely scratch the surface of what makes El Paso a fascinating place to visit or call home.