Region: Big Bend Country
The city grew from settlements dating back to the Juan de Onate expedition in
1598 and a settlement by Juan Maria Ponce de Leon in 1827, although area
missions predate Ponce de Leon's settlement by almost 150 years. It is the
largest U.S. city on the Mexican border, and neighboring Ciudad Juarez is
Mexico's largest border city. El Paso is in an ancient mountain pass—from which
the name is derived—and is surrounded by mile-high peaks.
A bright symbol shines nightly on the west horizon. The 459-foot star has 459
lights and can be seen from 100 miles in the air and 30 miles on the ground. It
is visible from 6 p.m.–midnight on the south side of the Franklin Mountains.
El Pasoans celebrate Thanksgiving in spring and claim the first celebration
was 23 years before the pilgrims'. Juan de Onate and his travelers crossed the
Rio Grande near El Paso on April 20, 1598, and feasted in thanksgiving.
Discover the symphony orchestra, theaters, museums, libraries, and
diversified sporting activities, including horse racing, polo, tennis, football
and basketball. Professional sports abound throughout the year with the El Paso
Diablos, AA Texas League baseball team; the El Paso Patriots, an A-League soccer
team; the El Paso Buzzards, Western Professional Hockey League; and the El Paso
Scorpions rugby club. In addition, Sun Bowl Stadium is home to the annual Sun
Bowl Football Classic, one of college football's best-known and the
second-oldest bowl game (behind the Rose Bowl).
Interested in a two-pound steak? Inquire about the Indian Cliffs
Ranch/Cattleman's Steakhouse 30 minutes east of the city on I-10. Take Fabens
Exit 49, turn north. 915/544-3200.