As with most cities and regions, there is certainly more to El Paso than perhaps meets the eye. From its history as the original Sin City, the birthplace of the margarita, and home to the largest urban park in the nation, there’s plenty to know about this Texan hot spot.
Discover 10 things you probably didn’t know El Paso!
1. El Paso is the birthplace of the margarita.
Said to be the birthplace of margaritas, El Paso’s Tommy’s Place Bar allegedly invented this iconic (and well loved) tequila mixed drink. You’re welcome, margarita lovers!
2. El Paso: the land of spittoons.
Even today, El Paso, like many other cities, has a whole host of laws that some would consider antiquated. One such law requires churches, hotels, stores, markets, banks, and more to provide spittoons!
3. It’s home to the largest man-made star.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” – and this is apparently true when it comes to the city’s man made star attraction. At 459 feet tall and consisting of 459 light bulbs, El Pasoans claim this is the world’s largest man-made star, easily lighting up the sky from the side of the Franklin Mountains.
4. El Paso was the original “Sin City.”
Long before El Paso became well known as the “Sun City,” it was widely known as the “Six Shooter Capital” – a reference to the area’s lawlessness during the late 1800s when saloons and gambling halls lined the streets of El Paso.
5. When it rains, it pours.
Though El Paso doesn’t see very much rain (the city only gets about 9 inches of rain, per year), when it does rain, it absolutely pours, resulting in street flooding, traffic issues, and general pandamonium.
6. Name-the-team contest named the El Paso Chihuahuas.
The El Paso Chihuahuas got their name from a name-the-team contest, during which the winning name was a finalist contending against names like the Buckaroos, Desert Gators, and the Sun Dogs. The Chihuahuas won, and the team’s name was officially announced on October 22, 2013.
7. At The Drive-In was formed in El Paso.
The alt-rock band At The Drive-In got their start in El Paso, where they played their very first live show on October 15, 1994, at the Loretto High School Fair.
8. El Paso is home to one of the best air shows in the world.
Held each year, the Amigo Air Show has come to be known as one of the best air shows in the world, hosting an impressive display of aerial performances.
9. El Paso is home to the largest urban park in the nation.
The Franklin Mountains State Park – including it’s own ‘A’ Mountain – is well known as the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits, covering over 24,000 acres.
10. El Paso is the backdrop to several well-known movies.
Filmed in full or in part, El Paso has provided the backdrop to several well known movies, including Lolita, Wild At Heart, Courage Under Fire, and several others.
Planning a visit to El Paso? Be sure to check out our budget-friendly extended stay accommodation options in El Paso.
As with most cities and regions, there is certainly more to El Paso than perhaps meets the eye. From its history as the original Sin City, the birthplace of the margarita, and home to the largest urban park in the nation, there’s plenty to know about this Texan hot spot.
Discover 10 things you probably didn’t know El Paso!
1. El Paso is the birthplace of the margarita.
Said to be the birthplace of margaritas, El Paso’s Tommy’s Place Bar allegedly invented this iconic (and well loved) tequila mixed drink. You’re welcome, margarita lovers!
2. El Paso: the land of spittoons.
Even today, El Paso, like many other cities, has a whole host of laws that some would consider antiquated. One such law requires churches, hotels, stores, markets, banks, and more to provide spittoons!
3. It’s home to the largest man-made star.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Everything's bigger in Texas” - and this is apparently true when it comes to the city’s man made star attraction. At 459 feet tall and consisting of 459 light bulbs, El Pasoans claim this is the world’s largest man-made star, easily lighting up the sky from the side of the Franklin Mountains.
4. El Paso was the original “Sin City.”
Long before El Paso became well known as the “Sun City,” it was widely known as the “Six Shooter Capital” - a reference to the area’s lawlessness during the late 1800s when saloons and gambling halls lined the streets of El Paso.
5. When it rains, it pours.
Though El Paso doesn’t see very much rain (the city only gets about 9 inches of rain, per year), when it does rain, it absolutely pours, resulting in street flooding, traffic issues, and general pandamonium.
6. Name-the-team contest named the El Paso Chihuahuas.
The El Paso Chihuahuas got their name from a name-the-team contest, during which the winning name was a finalist contending against names like the Buckaroos, Desert Gators, and the Sun Dogs. The Chihuahuas won, and the team’s name was officially announced on October 22, 2013.
7. At The Drive-In was formed in El Paso.
The alt-rock band At The Drive-In got their start in El Paso, where they played their very first live show on October 15, 1994, at the Loretto High School Fair.
8. El Paso is home to one of the best air shows in the world.
Held each year, the Amigo Air Show has come to be known as one of the best air shows in the world, hosting an impressive display of aerial performances.
9. El Paso is home to the largest urban park in the nation.
The Franklin Mountains State Park - including it’s own ‘A’ Mountain - is well known as the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits, covering over 24,000 acres.
10. El Paso is the backdrop to several well-known movies.
Filmed in full or in part, El Paso has provided the backdrop to several well known movies, including Lolita, Wild At Heart, Courage Under Fire, and several others.
Planning a visit to El Paso? Be sure to check out our budget-friendly extended stay accommodation options in El Paso.
