Bassett, O. T., Tower
301 Texas Ave., El Paso, TXO.T. Bassett Tower, a monumental example of early 20th-century skyscraper construction and one of Trost's most noteworthy structures, was built by Charles N. Bassett in memory of his father, O.T. The pair represent a primary force in the early development of El Paso and also a long-term of professional prominence and community service. came to El Paso in February 1880 via Overland Stage with his friend Charles Morehead to purchase land for the Texas and Pacific Railroad. After purchasing 600 acres, Bassett returned home to his wife in Indiana who died later that same year following the birth of their son, Charles.
In February 1881 Bassett and Morehead returned to El Paso and immediately organized the State National Bank with Morehead as president and Bassett as a major stockholder. Bassett set up shop for a lumber business at the corner of Mills and Stanton Streets and when the first train arrived in May of that year bringing California redwood, he was in business. As the burgeoning city grew, Bassett supplied the materials necessary for building. Interested in establishing order in the lawless frontier town, Bassett was diligently active in civic affairs. He was involved in establishing the first school district in 1882 and afterward named president of the school board. He also served the city as a councilman.
During this time, Charles remained with relatives in Indiana where he was educated, although he visited El Paso regularly. Charles moved to El Paso in 1898 following his father's death to continue the lumberyard operations. In 1908 he was appointed vice president of State National Bank and in 1921, president, a position he held until 1944 when he became chairman of the board.
Throughout his long and distinguished career with the bank, he maintained other interests in real estate, ranching, and lumber, and continued to serve the needs of the community in the manner established by his father. Though Charles died in 1944, the Bassett name is still prominent to El Pasoans who have recently opened a modern shopping center known as Bassett center.
Local significance of the building:
In February 1881 Bassett and Morehead returned to El Paso and immediately organized the State National Bank with Morehead as president and Bassett as a major stockholder. Bassett set up shop for a lumber business at the corner of Mills and Stanton Streets and when the first train arrived in May of that year bringing California redwood, he was in business. As the burgeoning city grew, Bassett supplied the materials necessary for building. Interested in establishing order in the lawless frontier town, Bassett was diligently active in civic affairs. He was involved in establishing the first school district in 1882 and afterward named president of the school board. He also served the city as a councilman.
During this time, Charles remained with relatives in Indiana where he was educated, although he visited El Paso regularly. Charles moved to El Paso in 1898 following his father's death to continue the lumberyard operations. In 1908 he was appointed vice president of State National Bank and in 1921, president, a position he held until 1944 when he became chairman of the board.
Throughout his long and distinguished career with the bank, he maintained other interests in real estate, ranching, and lumber, and continued to serve the needs of the community in the manner established by his father. Though Charles died in 1944, the Bassett name is still prominent to El Pasoans who have recently opened a modern shopping center known as Bassett center.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.