Magoffin Home State Historic Site is located in central El Paso, in El Paso County. This 1.5-acre park was purchased jointly by the City of El Paso and the State of Texas in 1976. The site has been operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife since its purchase.

The Magoffin Home Built in 1875 by pioneer Joseph Magoffin, the nineteen room, adobe home is a prime example of Territorial style architecture. This style developed in the southwest in the mid-1800s and combined local materials (adobe) and then fashionable mid-Victorian wood trim.

Joseph was active in civic and political affairs during the turbulent period that saw El Paso emerge from a raw frontier town to a bustling commercial center. Among his public offices were Justice of the Peace, County Judge, and Federal Customs Inspector-Collector for the Port of El Paso. One of the incorporators of the City of El Paso in 1873, Joseph would serve as mayor four times, two terms in the early 1880s and two more terms in the late 1890s.

During his tenure in city government virtually all of the utility companies were started, the first schools and hospitals were built, and the fire department was established. Joseph was president-owner of the first street car company to operate in El Paso- Juarez and was founder and vice president of the first bank to open. In the early 1890s, Joseph was chairman of the committee formed to secure the needed property to relocate and enlarge the Fort Bliss military reservation. Fort Bliss today is located on the property obtained by this committee.

He also worked closely with the Mexican State of Chihuahua to complete much needed flood control projects on the Rio Grande. Joseph died in 1923 and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso. Because of his many years of public service and commitment to the City of El Paso, Joseph is remembered as "Mr. El Paso."

Activities: In addition to the guided tours of the home, the Casa Magoffin Companeros (Friends of the Magoffin Home) host several annual events at the home including a Victorian Tea in May and a Holiday Tea and Reception in December.

Guided tours provide information on the three generations of Magoffin's to occupy the home. Information is also provided on James Wiley Magoffin, trader and merchant on the Santa Fe and Chihuahua Trails and founder of Magoffinsville, which later became El Paso. A tour fee is charged. Group rates are also available.

Your donations help:
All donations would specifically benefit the continuing efforts of the Magoffin Home Endowment Fund.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/magoffin_home/

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