History and Legacy of El Paso: Beyond the Tex-Mex Brand
El Paso's Cultural Layers
El Paso, Texas, is a city located on the border with Mexico, rich in history and cultural heritage. However, many might not know that the term 'Old El Paso' is associated with a brand of Tex-Mex food, which only scratches the surface of the city's deep history. The term 'Old El Paso' comes from a company that produces what many consider to be marginally edible Mexican food, not a reflection of the city's true cultural and historical legacy.
The phrase 'Old El Paso' is most notably tied to a song by Marty Robbins, "El Paso," first performed by the Grateful Dead in July 1970. In a broader context, 'Old El Paso' refers to the historical city of El Paso, which has a rich and complex history. Before the city as we know it today, it was a place of human settlement for thousands of years, as evidenced by the Folsom points found at Hueco Tanks, dating back to around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.
Pre-Colonial Era: Hunter-Gatherers and Farmers
Settlement in the El Paso region can be traced back to hunter-gatherers who lived in the area for thousands of years. These early inhabitants were followed by maize farmers, who were part of the early agricultural cultures in the region. The presence of the Manso Suma and Jumano tribes can be dated back to when the Spanish arrived, integrating these groups into the Mestizo culture.
Spanish Colonial Period: Exploration and Inculturation
During the Spanish colonial era, the region saw significant exploration and colonisation. The Spanish explorer Don Juan de O?ate, born in Zacatecas, Mexico in 1550, became the first known Spanish explorer to observe the Rio Grande near El Paso in 1598, where he celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass on April 30, 1598, decades before the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States. The early 1530s saw the arrival of the Narváez expedition, which included álvar Núez Cabeza de Vaca, Alonso del Castillo Maldonado, and Andrés Dorantes de Carranza, along with the enslaved Moor Estevanico, who are believed to have passed through the area.
Foundation and Governance: El Paso del Norte and Pueblo Revolt
El Paso del Norte, the present-day Ciudad Juárez, was founded on the south bank of the Río Bravo del Norte (Rio Grande) in 1659 by Fray Garcia de San Francisco. The small village of El Paso later became the temporary base for Spanish governance of the territory of New Mexico as a result of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, until Santa Fe was reconquered and once again became the capital in 1692.
The term 'El Paso' in this historical context refers to the geographical area and the significant events that took place there. It is not to be confused with the contemporary Tex-Mex food brand that carries the same name, which might suggest a connection to the city's rich culinary heritage.
This historical background highlights the significant layers of history and culture that define El Paso. It is a place of deep historical significance, with a narrative that stretches back thousands of years, marked by the presence of early hunter-gatherers and agrarian societies, followed by the integration of Mesoamerican cultures and the impact of Spanish colonialism.
Conclusion
When you think of El Paso, it is crucial to distinguish the historical significance of the term 'El Paso' from the modern Tex-Mex food brand. The name 'El Paso' is steeped in centuries of human habitation, cultural integration, and significant historical events. Understanding this complex and layered history enriches our appreciation of the city beyond the stereotypes that often accompany the term 'Old El Paso.'