Salt War
San Elizario, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Salt War rose from political conflicts in El Paso County and from controversies over control of the salt lakes east of El Paso that for centuries had been a free source of salt for local residents. In 1877 Charles Howard, a former county judge who claimed ownership of the lakes, shot political adversary Luis Cardis over the issue of the salt beds. While under the protection of state troops in San Elizario, Howard and several of the troopers were killed by a riotous mob. Federal and state investigations of the Salt War led to the re-establishment of Ft. Bliss in 1878. (1984)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
For generations, the salt lakes east of El Paso were a free resource anyone could gather from — until private claims collided with community right in the 1877 Salt War. After former judge Charles Howard shot his rival Luis Cardis over control of the beds, an enraged mob killed Howard and several state troopers protecting him at San Elizario. The violence drew federal and state investigators and led directly to the re-establishment of Fort Bliss in 1878.
Why it matters
The Salt War is a stark case of the clash between communal custom and private property on the borderland frontier, with ethnic and political tensions that reshaped the military presence in far West Texas.
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Related people
- · Charles Howard
- · Luis Cardis
Related events
- · El Paso Salt War
Themes & tags
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