Women's Club
1400 N. Mesa St., El Paso, TXSince its organization in May 1895, the Women's Club of El Paso has served as a center of intellectual culture for its members as well as an institution designed to improve the physical, intellectual, and moral conditions in the community. Built in 1916, the handsome, finely crafted brick clubhouse reflects the demographic growth and economic prosperity that El Paso experienced at the turn of the century.
Until the completion of rail service to the city in 1881, the majority of architecture was of adobe construction. As new and diverse building materials became available, the architecture expanded in styles and construction techniques. The Women's Club is one of several brick buildings built in the old central city area at the turn of the century. Its skillful combination of architectural motifs enjoying a revival at the time the representative of El Paso's growing aesthetic sophistication. Originally (1891) known as the Child Culture Study Circle and later (1898) called the Current Topics Club, the group became affiliated with the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1899 and changed its name to the current listing. During the first 22 years of its existence, the club met in local residences, but in 1910, charter member Thirza Westcott will a portion of her homestead property on California Street to the club, which later became the site of the present clubhouse. The remainder of Miss Westcott's property was purchased by the club; the house, unsuitable for club activities, was rented and later sold with the proceeds of $8,000.00 applied to the new structure.
Chartered with ten members who paid yearly dues of 10c, this non-profit corporation now boasts 700 members and is credited as being a leading factor in the development of art and music in El Paso as well as other movements for the betterment of the community. Sometimes called the "Mother of Art in El Paso," the club is credited with bringing the first art show to El Paso and continues to take an active role in the promotion of local and national art in the area. The club is also accredited with establishing the first kindergarten from various fund-raising activities such as the Annual Antiques Festival and the Emerald Ball. The club contributes significantly to other worthy foundations including the El Paso Cancer Treatment Center and Boy Scouts of America.
Local significance of the building:
Until the completion of rail service to the city in 1881, the majority of architecture was of adobe construction. As new and diverse building materials became available, the architecture expanded in styles and construction techniques. The Women's Club is one of several brick buildings built in the old central city area at the turn of the century. Its skillful combination of architectural motifs enjoying a revival at the time the representative of El Paso's growing aesthetic sophistication. Originally (1891) known as the Child Culture Study Circle and later (1898) called the Current Topics Club, the group became affiliated with the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1899 and changed its name to the current listing. During the first 22 years of its existence, the club met in local residences, but in 1910, charter member Thirza Westcott will a portion of her homestead property on California Street to the club, which later became the site of the present clubhouse. The remainder of Miss Westcott's property was purchased by the club; the house, unsuitable for club activities, was rented and later sold with the proceeds of $8,000.00 applied to the new structure.
Chartered with ten members who paid yearly dues of 10c, this non-profit corporation now boasts 700 members and is credited as being a leading factor in the development of art and music in El Paso as well as other movements for the betterment of the community. Sometimes called the "Mother of Art in El Paso," the club is credited with bringing the first art show to El Paso and continues to take an active role in the promotion of local and national art in the area. The club is also accredited with establishing the first kindergarten from various fund-raising activities such as the Annual Antiques Festival and the Emerald Ball. The club contributes significantly to other worthy foundations including the El Paso Cancer Treatment Center and Boy Scouts of America.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.
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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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.