Before the entry of Spanish colonizers, El Paso was inhabited by hunting and gathering communities for thousands of years. Around A.D 400, the native people started experimenting with crops and living in organized villages. These villages grew in size and became more complex, leading to a higher demand for crops and trade. The city has Spanish routes as denoted in its full name, El Paso del Norte, which translates to the Pass of the North. The name is said to have originated around 1598 with Juan de Onate, colonizer of New Mexico and the man mandated to explore the land. King Phillip II of Spain appointed de Onate to go explore New Mexico, a territory that hadn’t been conquered yet. He was tasked to find riches for Spain and spread Christianity among the native population. The Onate expedition wasn’t the first to explore the area. Still, it became more conspicuous for its efforts as they camped along the Rio Grande, leading them upstream where they came across the first native population. Franciscans friars established the first mission around this area in 1659. The Spaniards and Indians established a complex irrigation system that enabled agriculture to thrive. The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 waged against the Spanish colonizers helped establish El Paso as the base of Spanish governance for the territory of New Mexico and the fight between Texas and Mexico for control of El Passo bolstered its importance. The present boundary, which confirms El Paso as part of Texas, was drawn during the Compromise of 1850. It’s the same year when it was established as a County, with San Elizario as the first county seat.

This Texican border town has several activities for visitors, especially for outdoor indulgence.

Visit the Franklin Mountains
The Franklin Mountains cover about 27,000 acres which host lots of hiking and biking tracks. There are more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails meandering across the mountains. You can also enjoy rock climbing here. There is accommodation where you can spend a night and brag about sleeping at the largest state park in urban Texas.

Play golf at the Ascarate Park
The magnificent Ascarate park is home to an 18-hole golf course, but you can also rent a canoe or a boat to wade through the 48-acre lake therein. Engage in some fishing right at the park too.

El Paso Mission Trail
We’ve already established the rich history of El Paso, Texas. A common attraction for visitors here is going down the El Paso Mission Trail and experiencing the 17th-century missionary work. The Ysleta Mission, a parish constructed in 1682, is the oldest parish in Texas to operate nonstop.

Learn amazing History at the El Paso Museum of Archeology
At least 14,000 years of regional archival material lies at the El Paso Museum of Archeology. The folks down here have done an excellent job maintaining ancient and modern artifacts.

Sample the Mexican cuisine
There are several spots in downtown El Paso and elsewhere to enjoy mouthwatering Mexican cuisine. The famous street-corn dish is a must-have for visitors to this city.