Fort Bliss Main Post Historic District
Fort Bliss, El Paso, TXThe Fort Bliss Historic District is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for Military history a well as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Community Planning and Development, and as part of a significant and distinguishable entity, the Fort Bliss Main Post Historic District.
The areas of significance are encompassed under seven thematic groups: Initial Construction Period 1891-1899, Interim Period 1900- 1912, First Expansion Period 1913-1917, 7th Cavalry Construction Period 1919, Second Expansion Period 1919-1926, Depression Era 1927-1939, and Post World War II Period 1946-1950. Historically, these properties are associated with events that have made a contribution to distinguishable parts of Army history. Early events include the consolidation of smaller posts into larger more permanent posts at the close of the Indian Wars, a permanent Army presence on the U.S.-Mexican border, the massing of a large cavalry force along the U.S.-Mexican border to prevent arms smuggling and to discourage and/or respond to any hostile acts against the United States, and the early efforts of the War Department to create a cavalry division along the U.S.-Mexican border. Later, there were Army efforts to more efficiently manage its supply operations and to make Fort Bliss the nation's premier Mexican border post. Additionally, construction occurred that was part of the nationwide Army housing program that spanned the Depression years and expedited government-sponsored Depression relief programs. Lastly, the installation was transformed from a cavalry post into the Army's major air defense center following World War II. Architecturally, the buildings comprising the Fort Bliss Main Post Historic District reflect many styles, including Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, Prairie, Craftsman, Italian Renaissance Revival, Mission, Pueblo Revival, and Spanish Eclectic. The historic period when each style was used at Fort Bliss reflects wider national trends in architectural styles. The district has significance under Community Planning and Development as an example of the development of an Army border post. The evolving design of the installation reflects Army principles of efficiency, organization, and rank as well as nationwide planning principles such as those of the City Beautiful movement.
Local significance of the district:
The areas of significance are encompassed under seven thematic groups: Initial Construction Period 1891-1899, Interim Period 1900- 1912, First Expansion Period 1913-1917, 7th Cavalry Construction Period 1919, Second Expansion Period 1919-1926, Depression Era 1927-1939, and Post World War II Period 1946-1950. Historically, these properties are associated with events that have made a contribution to distinguishable parts of Army history. Early events include the consolidation of smaller posts into larger more permanent posts at the close of the Indian Wars, a permanent Army presence on the U.S.-Mexican border, the massing of a large cavalry force along the U.S.-Mexican border to prevent arms smuggling and to discourage and/or respond to any hostile acts against the United States, and the early efforts of the War Department to create a cavalry division along the U.S.-Mexican border. Later, there were Army efforts to more efficiently manage its supply operations and to make Fort Bliss the nation's premier Mexican border post. Additionally, construction occurred that was part of the nationwide Army housing program that spanned the Depression years and expedited government-sponsored Depression relief programs. Lastly, the installation was transformed from a cavalry post into the Army's major air defense center following World War II. Architecturally, the buildings comprising the Fort Bliss Main Post Historic District reflect many styles, including Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, Prairie, Craftsman, Italian Renaissance Revival, Mission, Pueblo Revival, and Spanish Eclectic. The historic period when each style was used at Fort Bliss reflects wider national trends in architectural styles. The district has significance under Community Planning and Development as an example of the development of an Army border post. The evolving design of the installation reflects Army principles of efficiency, organization, and rank as well as nationwide planning principles such as those of the City Beautiful movement.
Architecture; Military; Industry; Community Planning And Development
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
About El Paso County
El Paso County Timeline
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.
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.
El Paso County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.