Worthington - El Paso and The Mexican Revolution

THE INTERNATIONAL CITY

The five C scotton, copper, cattle, climate, and clotheswere the main words describing El Pasos growth. One very important factor, however, is geographic location. The citys position on the border, divided by an usually narrow river, brought a unique set of circumstances. For centuries the population was on the south side of the Rio Grande. Spanish missions and missionaries began arriving in the 1500s. Settlements developed on the north side of the river, with names such as Fabens, Concordia, Franklin, and then El Paso. Fort Bliss was founded in 1848; Anson Mills platted the city in 1859. The Civil War and Salt War (1876) disrupted land titles and peace. In 1878, the county seat was moved from Ysleta to El Paso. With the arrival of the railroad in 1881, modern El Paso grew quickly. El Paso was, and still is, a good weather crossroads for travel.

The railroads provided business and growth. At one time, more than 11 rail lines came into the city. The bulk of traffic came from the mines of Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona. The American Mining and Smelting Company (1887) was the largest custom smelter in the world, yet it was but one of four smelters in the city. Its plant was on the north bank of the Rio Grande. The sandy banks of Mexico were an estimated 25 feet across, more during a flood. The International Bridge (pedestrian and rail) was freely traversed, just as the river had been for centuries, and there was a footbridge. The city had commerce, banks, restaurants, hotels, and a famous red-light district. It grew constantly and was a mecca for all sorts of activities.

For example, between 1900 and 1910, there were many activities concentrated in the southern part of the city near the Rio Grande in Chihuahuita and El Segundo Barrio. Numerous Spanish-language newspapers were printed, and several political activists operated. One of the best known was Teresita Urrea, also dubbed The Saint of Cabora. She had a strong local following and was sought by Mexican federal agents. Another well-known activist was Ricardo Flores Magn, who had great influence in Mexico and was also sought by Dazs agents. There was such intense opposition to Daz that the United States feared for the presidents safety during their visit in 1909, especially on the drive through south El Paso.