El Paso, Texas
Sitting near the Rio Grande and the U.S. - Mexico border is El Paso, Texas. The sixth largest city in the state; about 665,055 people have made El Paso their home. With a high police visibility, El Paso has earned the reputation of being one of the safest cities in the United States. Aside from that, the city boasts a diverse, rich economy. These, along with El Paso’s historical heritages and natural beauty, make the city a wonderful tourist and moving destination.
Economy:
El Paso is home to about 70 big time companies: Hoover, Boeing and Delphi to name a few. The city includes food production, plastics, medical and electronic equipment, clothing and construction materials in its manufacturing industries. Agriculture is a boom in El Paso with the production of fruits, vegetables, pecans, cotton and livestock. Tourism also comprises a huge part of the economy.
The three large school districts in the area employ more than 19,000 people, thus contributing greatly to the economic growth of the city. Fort Bliss, a military installation in El Paso, also plays a major role in the city’s economy. The presence of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Customs Service also help increase job growth. Call centers also add to the employment opportunities in the city.
History:
El Paso, Texas was inhabited by people millennia before the arrival of the Spanish. It was in late 16th century that the first Europeans arrived in the area: Spaniards led by Juan de Oñate. The Spanish settlements there prospered for the next few centuries; agriculture, mining and transportation were the source of income back then. During this time, El Paso and Texas belonged to Mexico, but after the Texas Revolution became an annex of the United States during the mid- 19th century. The end of this century marked the arrival of the railroad, expanding business rapidly. By 1913 the University of Texas at El Paso, known then as the College of Mines, was chartered by the State. In 1979 the Franklin Mountain State Park was created, which is now known as the largest urban park in the nation.
Tourism:
The Franklin Mountain State Park is one of the favorite tourist destinations around the area. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens also provide a beautiful showcase of nature. The Chamizal National Memorial, serving as a cultural center, is another attraction. Tourists also frequent the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick, as it is the most beautiful architectural structure in El Paso. The Plaza Hotel and The Plaza Theatre are other historical beauties in the area. The Border Patrol Museum is another interesting stop. El Paso also provides a huge variety of restaurants, shops and bars. El Paso can be reached by land through the Interstate 10 and 25 and the US 54 and 62. The El Paso International airport enables transportation from other states by air, making the city accessible to visitors and intrastate and interstate movers.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of Texas at El Paso
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• El Paso Community College
• International Business College
• Texas Tech College of Architecture
Interesting Facts:
• El Paso is a popular filming location for action films such as “Last Man Standing”, “No Country for Old Men”, and “Kill Bill”.
• The current “Blue Beetle” comic book series takes place in El Paso.
• El Paso is the only major Texas City on Mountain Standard Time.
Helpful Links:
• El Paso Real Estate
• El Paso Storage Facility
• El Paso Insurance
• El Paso Dental Offices
• El Paso Springs Moving Guide
• El Paso Springs Official Website