Historical Marker

Site of Frontera

Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42"with post

At this site, the historic settlement of Frontera was established by T. Frank White in August 1848. White moved here shortly after the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred this part of the El Paso del Norte region to the United States, but before the border between Texas and New Mexico had been established. He served as magistrate of the New Mexico territory, U.S. customs collector, and proprietor of a trading post and ranch.

Frontera was located at the southwestern end of the Franklin Mountains, directly across from the 4,700-foot Cerro de Muleros (now known as Sierra de Cristo Rey). White’s trading post and ranch were situated directly on the bank of the Rio Grande at Mule Ford, a local river crossing on the Chihuahua Trail (now part of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail). White lost his political influence when the compromise of 1850 allocated this site to Texas. Frontera continued to exist for a few more years because the United States boundary commission maintained an astronomical observatory here while it surveyed the United States-Mexico border in the early 1850s. White finally sold his property to El Paso County Judge Henry Dexter in 1855 and left the area. The Dexter family used the land as a ranch and a mail station and the name Frontera gradually disappeared from the map.

Though short lived, Frontera was one of the first five American settlements in this region, along with Franklin (El Paso), Hart’s Mill, Concordia and Magoffinsville. It might have become the heart of a thriving metropolis had the compromise of 1850 placed it on the New Mexico side of the border. Instead, it was overshadowed by Franklin and eventually absorbed into the modern city of El Paso.

(2013)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

cities and towns
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
El Paso County, Texas, has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache, Comanche, and Jumano tribes. They lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading. The first recorded European exploration of the region occurred in 1581 when Juan de Oñate claimed the area for Spain.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.

In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.

Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of El Paso County, Texas.

  • 1682: Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate claims the El Paso area for Spain.
  • 1827: El Paso del Norte is established as a new Mexican border town.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring the El Paso region from Mexico to the United States.
  • 1850: El Paso becomes part of the newly formed Texas state.
  • 1881: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches El Paso, spurring rapid growth and development.
  • 1888: El Paso County is officially organized, with El Paso as the county seat.
  • 1909: The Chamizal dispute is resolved, confirming the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico.
  • 1916: The Mexican Revolution spills over into El Paso County, resulting in military clashes and tension along the border.
  • 1924: The construction of the iconic Paso del Norte International Bridge is completed, further strengthening El Paso's role as a major border crossing.
  • 1951: The Korean War leads to increased military presence in El Paso County, with the establishment of Fort Bliss.
  • 1963: The El Paso Museum of Art is opened, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork from around the world.
  • 1993: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implemented, further boosting trade and economic activity in El Paso County.