Just what was El Paso like back in the 1940s? Well, let this map take you on a trip to the past. Here are a couple of parts of this map.

Map courtesy of raremaps.com
Map courtesy of raremaps.com
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Map courtesy of raremaps.com
Map courtesy of raremaps.com
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If you want to check out the whole map you can CLICK HERE to head on over to raremaps.com. How does the map describe El Paso?

 

Just what was El Paso like back in the 1940s?

  • The Sun Bowl was already being held as that began back in 1936. It's the second oldest bowl in the United States. Only the Rose Bowl is older.
  • Unfortunately, El Paso got hit hard by the Great Depression with a lot of people moving away to seek opportunities elsewhere. Most moved to Tucson and Phoenix as the defense industries began booming there in the 40s.
  • The margarita was made for the first time on July 4th, 1945 at Tommy's Place Bar by Francisco "Pancho" Morales.
  • The first nuclear test was completed shortly after the invention of the margarita.
    • This happened over in New Mexico at the Trinity Site and took place July 16, 1945.
    • The site is open just twice a year to visit, but the April 2021 open house has been cancelled. CLICK HERE for more info on that.
    • The test site was eventually named a National Historic Landmark District in 1965.

You can also step down memory with some previous articles.

  • Want to check out 1950s El Paso? CLICK HERE
  • Is El Paso from the 1960s more your style? CLICK HERE
  • How about some photos of 1970s El Segundo Barrio? CLICK HERE

 

 

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