Visit the historic sites of the first train stations around Downtown El Paso, historic railroad bridges and pioneer trails. Look down at the Rio Grande River where pioneer roads and trails converged for 450 years. Consider the social and economic impact on the town as it grew from an adobe village to a city built of timber, stone, brick, iron, and glass. Note the unique architecture of downtown as business and commercial growth made the city the greatest economic center of the Southwest in 1900. Horse drawn coaches and hacks led to mule car lines and streetcars on tracks.

The most important event in El Paso history was the arrival of the railroads in 1881. Visit the historic sites of the first train stations around Downtown El Paso. Consider the social and economic impact on the town as it grew from an adobe village to a city built of timber, stone, brick, iron, and glass. Note the unique architecture of downtown as business and commercial growth made the city the greatest economic center of the Southwest in 1900. Horse drawn coaches and hacks led to mule car lines and streetcars on tracks.

The tour will be led by Prince McKenzie and the staff of the Railroad & Transportation Museum. The self driving caravan or carpooling tour will take 2 1/2 hours and will visit 12 different sites. Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Executive Center Blvd. and Rio Bravo. (MAP) Bring water and sunscreen.

El Paso & Southwestern Railroad Bridge (Trestle) on the left (south) 1880-81. Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge (Trestle) on the right (north) 1902-03. - Brian Kanof, Oct. 28, 2020