Things To Do
Historical and Cultural Sites
Some of the most historical war veterans buried in Concordia are Buffalo Soldiers, members of four regiments of African American soldiers who served on the frontier after the end of the Civil War. The remains of over forty Buffalo Soldiers are known to be buried at Concordia, resulting in the establishment of the cemetery’s Buffalo Soldier Memorial, a handsome dedication of bronze plaques, granite memorial markers, and native stone that commemorate the military service of these unique individuals and the contribution the Buffalo Soldier regiments made to the history of Texas.
Cavalry Man was carved from black granite and represents the immortalization of the U.S. Cavalryman. This stone statue is a representation of the late William Harvie, a 32nd Degree Mason member of the Scottish Rite Temple and a dear friend of Percival Henderson, the man who donated money for the sculpture to be created.
This Texas State Historic site is known as El Paso’s Boot Hill where over 60,000 have been buried. Amongst them are famous gunfighter John Wesley Hardin. This well-known outlaw was said to have more than thirty notches on his gun, evidence that no more dangerous gunman ever operated in Texas. So, don’t be afraid to go down to explore and snap a few pictures of the historic tombstones as well as sites like the Buffalo Soldier Memorial.
Dave’s Pawn Shop is one of the most iconic downtown El Paso spots, full of major historic artifacts and oddities that are guaranteed to fascinate just about anyone. Stop by and ask to take a look at Pancho Villa’s literal trigger finger while you’re there.
Hours of Operation
Sun: Closed
Mon: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wed: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
This is the famous home of Richard F. Burges. The Burges House also serves as a historical research center. The Classical Revival style house features four large columns in the front supporting the roof. Burges was city attorney in 1908 and wrote the city charter. He became a member of the Texas House of Representative in 1913. He was instrumental in the development of Carlsbad Caverns and the building of the Elephant Butte Dam. The home is now the headquarters for the El Paso County Historical Society.
Invite the ones you adore for a stroll through magnificent color-filled lush gardens at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden. Embark on your own adventure amongst 500 varieties of roses and over 1,900 rosebushes. Raised beds, waterfalls, walking paths, and a Koi Pond, all span over 4 acres creating a memorable experience for all.
Union Passenger Station, also referred to as Union Depot by many, has represented El Paso’s connection to the rest of the world for the past 100 years. It supported the establishment of trade between the United States and Mexico as the first International Train Station in the United States. The Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Galveston, Harrisburg, San Antonio, Texas, Pacific and the Mexico Central Railroads all moved in and out of the city.
Standing at 14 feet tall this bronze sculpture represents Fray Garcia who founded the area’s first mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission at the Pass of the North in 1659. It was dedicated in 1996 and is the first sculpture in the XII Travelers series. The sculpture depicts Garcia in the act of building the mission; in his right hand he is holding the lintel beam for the Guadalupe Mission and he beckons to the region’s Manso and Suma Indians to join him in building the church, which today is the historical treasure in downtown Ciudad Juarez, El Paso’s sister city. The Mission Grape represents European agriculture, which he introduced to the area. His original mission still stands in downtown Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Highway 28 is an old fashioned, two-lane road that runs from North El Paso to Old Mesilla, New Mexico. Lined with pretty pecan orchards that stretch for miles, Highway 28 offers you the unique opportunity to journey back to a simpler time. As you traverse the winding path, chile farms, wine vineyards, and horse and cattle ranches set on idyllic pastures open up before you. It’s a steady, relaxing ride over a beautiful bucolic landscape. So, take your time and take in the scenery. But be cautious; you’re likely to pass a tractor or two along the way.
While the ride itself is a breathtaking spectacle, Highway 28 has a diverse collection of alluring attractions to offer. The road is lined with celebrated wineries, authentic Mexican restaurants and important historical sites that you don’t want to miss out on. Here’s a few stops that you just have to make when riding down Highway 28.
Licon Dairy in San Elizario, TX is a family-owned dairy farm that has been in business since the 1950s. The farm produces a wide selection of fresh, high-quality dairy products including cheese, chile con queso, whey, and requeson. The dairy also offers a petting zoo where guests can enjoy the company of exotic and farm animals. Licon Dairy is committed to providing the highest quality products while also supporting the local community.
This steam locomotive was built in 1857, fully restored in 1909 and put on display in 1939. The locomotive is visible from sidewalk, as no building access is currently available.
Standing atop the Sierra de Cristo Rey (formerly known as the Cerro de los Muleros, Mule Drivers Mountain), in Sunland Park, New Mexico, the 29 ft. tall limestone statue of Christ serves as a shrine to thousands of faithfuls in the El Paso and Southern New Mexico area. Because of Mt. Cristo Rey’s proximity to Mexico, it’s best to hike up the mountain in a group. The well-maintained trail is about 4.4 miles round trip and provides stunning, unparalleled views of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.
The “Old Glory Memorial” flies the American Flag (Old Glory) for all American citizens and to honor all who have served our country and those who have given their lives in the name of the freedoms we enjoy every day. El Paso Texas Flags Across America has erected a 180 foot flagpole on the Trans-Mountain Campus of El Paso Community College (Highway 54 North Exit 28 and Diana Drive) and is flying a United States Flag, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and lighted at night. On special occasions, EPTFAA will be flying a beautiful 50 foot by 100 foot United States flag, (50) fifty state flags, (6) six Armed Service flags and (6) Territorial Flags.
In January 1914, John Pershing arrived in El Paso to take command of the Army 8th Brigade that was stationed at Fort Bliss. At the time, the Mexican Revolution was underway in Mexico, and the 8th Brigade had been assigned the task of securing the U.S.- Mexico border.
Dating back to the 1800’s and known as one of the deadliest gunmen in the West, the infamous Billy the Kid became famous for being the only man ever to break into a jail. Legend says jail guards found themselves face to face with Billy’s 44 revolver just before he quickly retrieved the guard’s guns, helped his friend break out, put the guards in the jail and threw away the key. This place will certainly have you saying ͞hold on let me Instagram this.”
Hours of Operation
Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon: Closed Tue: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thu: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
A fiberglass sculpture by Luis Jiménez honoring the city’s colorful past, when real alligators graced San Jacinto Plaza sits in the center of downtown. This historic park is located in the heart of downtown El Paso on the corner of Oregon and Mills St. Recently redesigned, the park is now home to paths and bridges, gaming areas for ping-pong, chess, and washoes and a café that features a variety of local snack time favorites. This urban open space celebrates the history and culture of El Paso and is ideal for gatherings small or large.
Known as the best view of the city accessible by car, Scenic Drive wows visitors every time. The winding road skirts around the east side of the mountain offering up some of the most stunning views of the city. The road is cut along the edge of the mountains and traverses the southern tip of the Franklins. One side of the winding road is lined by beautiful stately homes while the other features fabulous views of El Paso and Juarez. Get the most out of your drive by pulling over at the small park and scenic overlook. To access Scenic Drive turn onto Rim Rd. from either Mesa St. or Alabama St.
The Lhakang is open from 11a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday and first Saturday of the Month. The exhibit is overseen by the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Parking is available at the Centennial Museum parking lot. Open 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday and first Saturday of the Month.
Attracting thousands of travelers daily, the El Paso Union Passenger Station, or the Union Depot, was a place of hustle and bustle connecting the world for the past 100 years. Opening its doors in 1906, the neo-classical design came from architect Daniel H. Burnham of Chicago and contractor Frank Powers of El Paso. Among its contributions to the growth in El Paso, the Union Depot was also the first international train station and it helped with trade between the United States and Mexico.
This monument represents Don Juan de Oñate, founder of the Camino Real (Royal Highway) and the Hispanic Southwest in 1598. Oñate also gave the city its name, El Paso del Norte. Installed in September 2006 and dedicated on April 21, 2007, it is the largest equestrian bronze statue in the world, (36 feet tall on an eight-foot cement base) and second monument in the XII Travelers series. While there were many contributions from Oñate, one of the most dramatic introductions among livestock was the horse. Because of his expedition, the first European colonists to celebrate a feast of Thanksgiving on North American soil took place just south of El Paso in San Elizario, Texas on April 30, 1598.
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center exists as a facility for cultural enrichment, as well as a collective site for centuries of tribal history. It aims to educate individuals about the culture and history of the oldest federally recognized tribe in Texas by providing information and interactive experiences that are unique to the area.
The Cultural Center exhibits the tribe’s heritage through dance, programs and other activities such as pottery making, bead looming, bread baking, storytelling, and gardening for Tribal Members ONLY. The center also provides retail space for tribal members to sell authentic Tigua attire and artifacts. The museum displays objects such as artifacts, pottery, photographs, and video representing over 300 years of Tigua History. The museum attracts a wide array of visitors from across the United States and the international community.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM