El Paso Museums

PinkBike Digs West Texas

Our organization helped bring the team of Chris Reichel, Devon Balet, Dejay Birtch and Josh Smith. to Far West Texas and now it's featured in PinkBike! Thanks to all who helped show the world what great mountain biking we've got! Photos by Devon Balet. 

The Wild, Wild West

The site Old West Postcards has these fun images of Border Patrol in El Paso taking down some smugglers in the 1930s.

Children of the Corn

Children run through one of the corn mazes at the La Union Maze. (Victor Calzada / El Paso Times)

Cute pic from the El Paso Times of La Union Corn Maze, which happens to be *the* perfect family activity this time of year!

Paris, France to Paris, Texas

What does French Impressionism have in common with Western Art? Go see for yourself at this new exhibit at the El Paso Museum of Art on now until February 1, 2015.

Hot Dogs in El Paso

Traditional jerseys for the El Paso Chihuahuas are red, white, and black but for the team's 2nd annual Bark at the Park, where fans can bring their leashed dogs to the game, the team wore these hilarious jerseys. 

After the game, the jerseys were auctioned off to benefit the El Paso Humane Society. We hope they'll break them out again!

Pumpkin Carving Contest at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park

Tram or Treat!! 

The Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park in the Franklin Mountains State Park is having a pumpkin carving contest on October 25. Voting will happen for your amazing creations from noon to 2 p.m. and the winner will be announced at 3 p.m. Must register by October 10.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Saturday, October 25, 2014 - 12:00pm to 3:00pm

The Tramway will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest during its Tram-or-Treat Halloween Festival. Pumpkin exhibition and voting will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, winners will be announced at 3:00PM.
Must register by October 10.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/pumpkin-carving-contest#sthash.tTNamEnq.dpuf

Whoooo's there?

Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Wildlife- El Paso took these photos of a natural burrow of owls just outside the city. Watch the Burrowing Owls grow as they post photos to their Facebook page (linked above).

Wildscaping Eye Candy in El Paso

Gorgeous native plants are more than eye candy, they provide the necessary food, water and shelter for local wildlife. Want to learn how to "wildscape" your own land & be certified in it? Sign up with Texas Parks and Wildlife's Backyard Habitat program. And on October 17, you can learn desert wildscaping at Wyler Aerial Tramway Park in El Paso. Sign up on their site today!

Art History 101: Luis Jimenez

One of the perks of living in the Texas Mountain Trail region is being so close to the works of Luis Jimenez, born in El Paso and known for his large fiberglass sculptures with Southwestern and Latino themes. He's considered the "Godfather of Chicano Art."

While this iconic piece, "Vaquero," seen above, has been sold to the Crystal Bridges in Arkansas,
you can still check out the El Paso Museum of Art for more works of this "Native Son." Jimenez's work “Los Lagartos” in San Jacinto Plaza downtown has been removed for renovations but hopefully will be back soon.

Sadly, Jimenez was killed at age 65 when, while moving one of his sculptures, a 32-foot high piece came loose and fell on him. His New York Times obit is here.

El Paso's Union Station

El Paso is still served by Amtrak, on the Texas Eagle and  Sunset Limited line and passengers heading our way can stop there, or in Alpine.  El Paso's Union Station, located just west of downtown is convenient for all travelers.

The Wikipedia article for the station says this:  "The El Paso Union Depot, also known as El Paso Union Passenger Depot, was designed by architect Daniel Burnham, who also designed Washington D.C. Union Station. It was built between 1905 and 1906 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971."

It is still a lovely place to catch a train! 

El Paso's Scenic Drive

Routinely voted one of the best places to take visitors to show them El Paso, Scenic Drive!

The historical marker at Scenic Drive in El Paso says, "As early as 1881, El Paso leaders promoted the idea of creating a place at the base of the Franklin Mountains to provide visitors a panoramic view of the area. The automobile brought attention to the idea and in 1920 the City Council and Mayor Charles Davis approved construction of a scenic drive. Finished in October 1920, the route became a popular atraction.  The 1.82 mile drive reaches an elevation of 4,222 feet, 500 feet above the Rio Grande.  In 1932, the City contracted to widen and pave the road, and in 1934, Civilian Conservation Corps Company 855 (Fort Bliss) carried out additional culvert work.  Scenic Drive continues to attract visitors to the view of El Paso, Cuidad Juarez, and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert

Socorro Mission and Cemetery

We'd like to encourage more travelers to get off I-10 and explore the Mission Trail area, just east of El Paso.  One of our favorite missions is one in Socorro, described on the Mission Trail Association website:

"The Socorro Mission exudes a sense of strength and dignity with its six-foot-thick adobe walls and massive vigas. The Socorro Mission shares the distinction of being among the oldest continuous settlements in the Southwest, as well as being one of the oldest continuously operated missions in Texas.

The original Franciscan mission, “Nuestra Señora de la Concepción del Socorro” was completed in 1691. Admired for its traditional adobe craftsmanship, unique design details, and for its role in resonating cultural heritage, the current Socorro Mission (dedicated in 1843) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places."

If you go, take a look at the nearby cemetery, with original grave markers, including this one mirroring the architecture of the mission.

Visitor information:

Address:  328 S. Nevarez Rd., El Paso, TX 79927
Hours of Operation:  10am-4pm (M-F); 9am-6pm (Sat); 9am-1pm (Sun)
For More Information: (915) 859-7718

What's playing at the Plaza Classic Film Festival this summer?

What's playing at the Plaza Classic Film Festival in downtown El Paso, August -17?

Wizard of Oz plays on the big 1930 screen in the restored
Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso during the Plaza Classic Film Festival

Office Space

The Seven Year Itch

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

This summer, don't miss the opportunity to see classic films on the big 1930 screen at the Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso as part of the Plaza Classic Film Festival, August 7-17!   Click here for the schedule.  Click here to purchase tickets!

On the BIG Screen at the Plaza Classic Film Fest!

The Matrix

12 Angry Men

Spartacus

The Kid

El Paso hosts a WONDERFUL film festival every year...showing classic films on the BIG 1930 screen.  They've got another great lineup again this year, don't miss it!   Visit the fest's website, and plan to attend August 7-17!

Plaza Classic Film Festival Announces Schedule!

Enjoy your favorite classic films in a beautifully restored 1930 movie theatre, El Paso's Plaza!  The festival just announced the lineup for August 6-17, and we're excited!  Check it out at www.plazaclassic.com

Guess who's coming to sign autographs?  Shirley Jones will be celebrating the showing of her 1955 classic, Oklahoma! at the festival! 

Ms. Jones will also be signing autographs for ticket holders. 

Javelina

First time visitors to the region are often delighted with a sighting of perhaps our wildest-looking animal in the Texas Mountains.  We took this photo at the El Paso Zoo, but they live in most corners of the region..in the mountains, grasslands and ranches.  Learn more about the javelina, here.

The Zoo features animals of the Americas, of Africa, and of Asia.  It is a great place to visit, and the staff offers a terrific calendar of special events.

If you'd like to visit birding and wildlife viewing sites in the region, consult the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail, a cooperative effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife and our own Texas Mountain Trail organization.

Hey, where IS that!?!?

Ron Coleman Trail
Franklin Mountains State Park
photo: Adrianna Weickhardt

Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso recently organized a National Trails Day hike on the Ron Coleman Trail.  It is hard to believe--but you should--that adventure of this magnitude is possible in our largest city of the Texas Mountain Trail region.

Our friends at GeoBetty.com say this about the trail:
"This very difficult hike along the spine of the Franklin Mountains is not for the faint of heart. It starts in McKelligon Canyon and goes up to the ridge before following the ridgeline all the way to Transmountain Road. It is a difficult and dangerous hike that should only be attempted by prepared and experienced hikers who are ready to deal with heights. That said, have fun and take photos."

Ron Coleman Trail
National Trails Day hike, Franklin Mountains State Park
Photo: Adrianna Weickhardt

Photo from Franklin Mountains State Park
by Dan Baeza

 

photo: Texas Mountain Trail

Finding Henry O. Flipper in El Paso

One of the most remarkable life stories has roots in our region, that of Henry O. Flipper, who was stationed at Fort Davis and lived many years in El Paso.

Who was Henry Flipper?  From our website:

"Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper, engineer and military officer in the Tenth United States Cavalry, lived a remarkably successful life through the late 19th and early 20th century, particularly in light of the fact that he was born a slave in 1856. His education began at the American Missionary Association, an opportunity available to him as a result of the Civil War, and concluded with membership in the 1877 graduating class of West Point, becoming the first African American to do so. As Lieutenant, Flipper served on the front lines of an expanding western settlement, commanding forces in two battles at Eagle Springs and serving as engineer surveyor, construction supervisor, quartermaster, and commissary officer. Flipper was stationed at posts across the frontier including Fort Davis, Fort Concho, Fort Sill in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), Fort Quitman, and Fort Elliott. Later in civilian life, Flipper continued his success as civil engineer, author, translator, and surveyor, and occupied positions on the national stage including agent of the Justice Department, aide to Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and assistant to the Secretary of the Interior with the Alaskan Engineering Commission.  As an authority on mining and land laws of Mexico, Flipper worked with mining and mineral companies in northern Mexico and Venezuela and authored several works, including an autobiography called “The Colored Cadet at West Point” and a memoir titled “Black Frontiersman: The Memoirs of Henry O. Flipper, first Black Graduate of West Point.”

While these accomplishments are laudable by any standard, they are all the more admirable considering the level of prejudice Flipper faced while tackling his aspirations. Flipper suffered a humiliating court-martial in 1882, the result of a manipulative subterfuge perpetrated by his commanding officer Col. William Rufus Shafter at Fort Davis and one that will reside in military history as a disturbing chapter where bigotry derailed an otherwise stellar career. Over a hundred years later, Flipper received a pardon, courtesy of President William Jefferson Clinton, exonerating him of the accusations and conviction that led to his court martial; a posthumous validation of his innocence, a position Flipper maintained his entire life. Today, his story is interpreted throughout the frontier fort history and across the Texas west, including museums at the Fort Concho and Fort Davis National Historic Sites, where his reputation is restored and his service is honored in perpetuity."

A historic marker in El Paso, at 3231 E. Wyoming at Cebeda Avenue, continues the story of his 10 years in El Paso:

"Henry O. Flipper - Henry O. Flipper Henry Ossian Flipper (1856-1940) was the first African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877. Born into slavery in Thomasville, Georgia, he came from a family of achievers; his brothers were an African Methodist Episcopal Bishop, a college professor and a farmer. Commissioned as Lieutenant in the 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, Flipper was stationed at bases in western states and territories. At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he designed a drainage system, now a National Historic Landmark known as "Flipper's Ditch," that removed standing water, thus minimizing malaria outbreaks. Despite his many accomplishments, Flipper is most remembered as a victim of racism. In 1882, at Fort Davis, Texas, he was court-martialled on questionable charges. He was eventually acquitted of all charges save one: conduct unbecoming an officer. Dismissed from the army, Flipper went on to become a civil mining engineer, surveyor, translator, newspaper editor, historian and folklorist in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. For 10 years, he lived in El Paso, working for prominent mining companies. He was appointed Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior during the Harding administration. Flipper tried, but was unable, to clear his name before his death in 1940. In 1976, the U.S. Army granted Lt. Flipper an honorable discharge, and he received a full presidential pardon of all charges in 1999."

The El Paso Community College Libraries has a web page on Henry Flipper, including this information about his time in the city:

"From the 1880s to the early years of the 20^th century, Flipper spent time in El Paso, arranging work and writing reports. He did contract work for many mining companies in both the United States and northern Mexico. He worked extensively for Colonel William C. Greene and Albert Fall who both promoted his work and became close friends. Flipper also became an authority on Southwestern history and folklore, writing articles for Old Santa Fe (forerunner of the New Mexico Historical Review) and conducting research in New Mexico, Mexico, and Spain. Flipper was well-known and respected in the African-American community of El Paso. During the Mexican Revolution, there was a rumor that Flipper was serving with Pancho Villa’s troops, a rumor that followed him the rest of his life.

Flipper never owned property in El Paso but according to city directories he spent ten years living in two of the city’s many boarding houses. For eight years, from 1910 to 1919, he resided at  803 ½  El Paso Street. This two-story building is still standing and in use at the corner of El Paso Street and Father Rahm Avenue. From 1919 to 1920, Flipper lived at 202 E. Third Street. This two-story brick building stands at the corner of Third and Oregon Streets and houses a few residents and small businesses. Faded lettering on the side of the building advertises furnished rooms and beds available from twenty-five cents." 

Albert Fall's mansion was for many years endangered by neglect, but the City of El Paso saved it from demolition and is now leasing it to Texas Tech University where it houses the administration of their School of Nursing.  The mansion, at 1725 Arizona, was built in 1906.

Photo: Preservation Texas

 Preservation Texas' page on the Albert Fall mansion is here.  The Fall Mansion was on the 2004 list of Preservation Texas' Most Endangered Places.

Hiking Hints from Britain, 1933

We just thought this was tons of fun....

#30DaysofBiking
And as we say goodbye to our April feature - cycling assets of our Texas Mountain Trail region, we want to give an additional shout-out to some friends in El Paso....

GeoBetty.com maps mountain biking trails in the Franklin Mountains and other destinations around El Paso

Velo Paso is El Paso's vibrant and growing bicycle and pedestrian organization, working hard to make alternative transportation, easy, fun, healthy and safe.