Maps are from Sanborn Fire Map Collection UMI

1883

1900

click here for a pdf of this map -- pdf will allow you to zoom in and take a closer look

El Paso City Directory 1900

"Editorial -- We look with wonder on the substantial improvement El Paso has made in the past 18 months. Her growth goes steadily and evenly on. The architect, builder, and mechanic have been working "overtime." Everything has proceeded quietly and orderly. A boom has not even been hinted. City clerk Catlin’s books show $913,077 in building permits from November 1, 1897 to July 15, 1899.

The numerous new cozy homes, palatial residences and commodious business buildings make it clearly apparent that you received quid pro quo for every dollar invested. In addition to this the county clerk’s records show that real estate transfers to the extent of a round million dollars, making it manifest that conservative investors have an abiding faith in El Paso dirt.

Our census shows a population of 20,523, an increase of 1,896 since our previous canvass a year and a half ago. That this is no small matter, we will state that Galveston, during the same period, shows a decrease of 1,143. The comparison is made to emphasize the fact that El Paso is today the most progressive city in the state, and no town within Texas’ borders has greater possibilities or a brighter future."