San Jacinto Plaza

In 1857, W. T. Smith sold his property which he called the "town of El Paso" for $6500.00. The buyers were J. S. and H. S. Gillette, J. F. Crosby, J. W. Morton and V. St. Vrain; they had it surveyed by Anson Mills. The map showed downtown El Paso much as it is today, including a public square which they donated to the future city of El Paso, Incorporated in 1873. This plot of ground, a haven for the weary traveler, has seen and heard the life of this area march by since Spanish colonial times. It saw rumbling ox-drawn carts, the first U.S. soldiers, covered wagons. Then Jeff Davis's Camel Corps, stage coaches, the blast of six-guns and the first locomotive whistles, and law and order emerging. The years brought concerts, political and patriotic speeches, presidents visiting and marching soldiers of our wars. It was designated "The Plaza" by the 1889 city fathers, but the 1902 council permanently and officially named it San Jacinto Plaza. Presented by The State National Bank of El Paso, Texas 30 July 1965

San Jacinto Plaza is a historical marker in El Paso, El Paso County, dedicated in 1968. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in El Paso County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 140 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.7551, -106.4904 near El Paso. The nearest cataloged historic site is El Paso's Syrian-Lebanese Community (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Palace Theatre, Stage Station, and Engine Number One, Old.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5141008831. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.