10 fun and interesting El Paso facts

1. The Plaza Hotel: A Centennial Celebration

In 1930, Conrad Hilton, the renowned hotel mogul, opened the luxurious Plaza Hotel in El Paso, Texas. This was the city's first high rise hotel and has since become a landmark, still standing to this day. The hotel was designed with opulence in mind, featuring a grand lobby, marble floors, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. It was a revolutionary addition to the El Paso skyline and has been a beloved part of the city ever since.

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2. The Birth of the Margarita

In 1945, Francisco "Pancho" Morales, a bartender from El Paso's Juarez region, is credited with inventing the Margarita, a tequila-based cocktail. The story goes that he created the drink at Tommy's Place Bar, a popular watering hole in the area. Since then, the Margarita has become a staple of Mexican cuisine, and El Paso has become known as the birthplace of the beloved drink.

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3. The Blessing of Christ at Mount Cristo Rey

The iconic Mount Cristo Rey statue of Christ in El Paso is a unique representation of the figure, as its palms face downward in a gesture of blessing, rather than the traditional crucifix pose with arms outstretched. This is a powerful symbol of the city, and the blessing of Christ is a reminder of the faith and hope of the people of El Paso.

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4. Doubletree Hotel: Home of Iconic Celebs

The Doubletree Hotel, formerly known as the El Paso International Hotel, has been graced by some of the most iconic celebrities of all time. From Steve McQueen and Elvis Presley to Ali McGraw, this hotel has seen its fair share of famous faces. With its rich history and luxurious amenities, the Doubletree Hotel is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a taste of celebrity glamour.

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5. Jones Stadium: The Site of a Major Deployment in El Paso's History

In 1916, General John Pershing used El Paso High School's Jones Stadium as a staging area for his pursuit of the Mexican revolutionary leader, Francisco "Pancho" Villa. This was a significant moment in El Paso's history, as the stadium was the site of the first large-scale deployment of the United States Army in the 20th century. The mission was a success, and Pershing's forces were able to capture Villa and bring him to justice.

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6. El Paso Street: The City's First and Oldest Street

El Paso Street, the city's first and oldest street, has seen its fair share of history. It was the scene of the infamous Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight, and has been walked by some of the most famous people in history, including Billy the Kid, Pancho Villa, and even President William H. Taft. This street has been a part of El Paso's history for centuries, and continues to be a major part of the city's culture today.

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7. Tigua Tribe of Vibrant Culture

The Yselta del Sur Pueblo, Tigua Indian Reservation in El Paso County is one of only two Indian reservations in the entire state of Texas. This reservation is home to the Tigua tribe, who have lived in the El Paso area for centuries. The Tigua people are known for their vibrant culture, which includes traditional dances, art, and music. The reservation is also home to the Ysleta Mission, which is the oldest continuously operated parish in the United States. The Ysleta Mission is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public for tours.

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8. Texas' Mountain Standard Time City!

El Paso is the only major city in Texas that runs on Mountain Standard Time (MST). This means that the city is one hour behind Central Standard Time (CST), which is the time zone for the majority of the state. El Paso is the westernmost city in Texas, and its location on the border of Mexico and New Mexico means that it is the only major city in the state that is affected by the time zone change. As a result, El Paso is the only major city in Texas that is an hour behind the rest of the state.

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9. Two New Year's Eves in El Paso, Texas

In El Paso, Texas, residents had the unique opportunity to celebrate two New Year's Eves! This was possible due to the city's sister city, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, which ran on Central Standard Time. This meant that when the clock struck midnight in El Paso, it was still 11 PM in Ciudad Juarez, allowing El Pasoans to celebrate the New Year twice in one night!

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10. A City of Contrasts

In the late 1800's, El Paso was known as the "Six Shooter Capital" due to its lawlessness. However, today it is a peaceful and popular city, often referred to as the "Sun City" due to its sunny climate and abundance of outdoor activities. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions such as the El Paso Zoo, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the El Paso Mission Trail. With its vibrant culture, diverse population, and rich history, El Paso is a great place to visit and explore.