Best Local History & Culture in El Paso

The Tigua people are the last remaining tribe that carries on Puebloan culture in the state of Texas. Puebloan culture includes all tribes that live in similar ways and have similar cultural practices albeit they speak mutually unintelligible languages. In fact the binding nature of their name also derives from the houses they build, Pueblos. Here at the center inside the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, visitors can learn more about these native peoples with the wealth of education the tribe provides, such as bread baking, social dancing and even a museum with ancient artifacts.

The historic Magoffin Home today houses a vast collection of Magoffin family artifacts used at the end of the 19th Century. On display guests will find furniture, decorative art and other interesting historical resources from this important El Pasoan clan. Built in 1875, the site still retains an old Texas charm with its period furniture and paintings. The site has become an integral part of the city's rich history as well as a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Texas Historical Commission manages the site and owns the belongings inside.

This museum focuses on the more than 400 years of history in this part of what is now known as Western Texas. It is one of the three city-operated museums, the other two include the Museum of Art and the Museum of Archaeology. The permanent exhibits include artifacts and documents that present the past as well as the city's present development. The exhibits are spread over more than 44,000-sq. ft. of space and since the admission is free, it provides a cheap, interesting education on how this part of the Southwest was settled.

Located on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus, this museum offers the perfect educational experience with a bit of fun. The museum focuses on the history of the area's native population, while the garden has over 600 species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

A part of the Tigua Indian Cultural Center, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum takes you through the history of the tribe from 1680 to the present. Get a glimpse of their lives as refugees when they fled from New Mexico during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 as well as their contemporary culture through relics, artwork, crafts and pottery. It is inside the Alderette-Candelaria House, built in the 1840's, and it's definitely one of the most interesting museums in El Paso.

This museum located on the eponymous military base pays homage to the United States 1st Armored Division, more affectionately known as 'Old Ironsides'. The first division in WWII to encounter enemy fire. Today, the museum exhibits artifacts about this unit which include weaponry, historical accounts, patches, etc. Additionally, if you have the time, visit the replica Old Fort Bliss located on the same property. Admission is free, however you must have identification to enter the base.