Magoffinsville
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of four population centers during the early period of American settlement of the present El Paso area, Magoffinsville was founded by Kentucky native James Wiley Magoffin (1799-1868). In 1849, he began acquiring land in this vicinity. The headquarters of his property was at Magoffin and Willow streets (10 blks. E). There he built a large home and buildings to serve his trading, ranching, and farming activities. Magoffinsville became the center of social and business activities for the area and travelers often were given rest in the Magoffin home. From 1854 until 1868, Fort Bliss, a United States Army post, was located at Magoffinsville on leased land. During the Civil War, Magoffin's property was confiscated by Federal forces and his home was badly damaged. After the war, Magoffin, in poor health, moved to San Antonio, where he died in 1868. The following year his widow, Dolores, and eldest son, Joseph, regained some of the property. Joseph began selling parcels of the land and by 1873 was an organizer of the El Paso Real Estate Trust and Immigration Company. His home at this site (1110 Magoffin Avenue), although not a part of Magoffinsville, was built in 1875 in the style of the original Magoffin Home. (1985)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Kentucky-born trader James Wiley Magoffin began buying land here in 1849, building a home and trading complex that became one of early American El Paso's four population centers. From 1854 to 1868 the U.S. Army post of Fort Bliss stood on his leased ground, and during the Civil War federal forces confiscated and damaged his property. After his 1868 death his family regained land, and his son Joseph became an early El Paso real estate and immigration promoter.
Why it matters
Magoffinsville marks the birth of American El Paso, where frontier trade, the U.S. Army, and Civil War upheaval converged on the far southwestern border.
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Related people
- · James Wiley Magoffin
- · Joseph Magoffin
- · Dolores Magoffin
Related events
- · Fort Bliss
Themes & tags
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