El Paso

History

El Paso was founded by George Gibson and James Wathen. Having traveled to California through Texas previously, Gibson gave it the Spanish name El Paso, either after El Paso County, Texas, the El Paso Mountains in California, or because of a nearby railroad junction.

The city developed at the intersection of the Illinois Central Railroad and the Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad. This junction contributed to the expansion of local commerce through the late 19th century. In 1857, the Peoria & Oquawka Railroad was built, linking Gilman on the Chicago branch to El Paso on the main line, thereby establishing a connection between these two significant divisions, and, on December 3, 1871, the Oilman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad, which connected the branch to the state capital, officially began operations. The Illinois Central Railroad, in particular, attracted numerous businesses and settlers, spurring economic growth and connecting the town to larger cities. This connection laid the foundation for El Paso's continued expansion into the late 1800s, fueling its business and social activity.

In 1867, El Paso tried unsuccessfully to become the county seat of Woodford County by offering $30,000 to Metamora to relinquish the title. A closely contested vote initially favored El Paso, but a recount reversed the decision by a margin of ten votes. Several towns, including Eureka, El Paso, and Roanoke vied for the county seat over the years. Not until 1894 did Eureka successfully become the county seat. During this period, El Paso's growing commercial center was supported by businesses along its newly paved Front Street, which became a key part of its identity.

The first post office in El Paso Township was established by Caleb Horn at his house, about two to three miles from Kappa, with mail carried by horseback twice a week. The first store in the township opened in Kappa around the time the Illinois Central Railroad passed through the area, and the first mill in El Paso was built by Ives. The Horn post office, called Roxan, moved to Kappa in 1853, and William M. Jenkins became the first postmaster of El Paso in 1857. Over the years, the post office moved several times, with key changes including the relocation to Elm Street in 1861, the transfer to the Shur, Tompkins & Co. Bank building in the 1860s, and finally, the move to its current location in 1901. By the mid-1900s, multiple rural mail routes had been established, and in 1964, a new post office building was opened, marking a significant development in the town's postal services.

Geography

El Paso is located in southeastern Woodford County. A small portion of the city limits extends east along U.S. Route 24 into northern McLean County. US 24 leads east 15 miles (24 km) to Interstate 55 in Chenoa and west 32 miles (51 km) to Peoria. Interstate 39 crosses the west side of El Paso, with access from Exit 14 (US 24); the Interstate highway leads south 14 miles (23 km) to Interstate 55 in Normal and north 45 miles (72 km) to La Salle. Illinois Route 251 follows the former alignment of U.S. Route 51 through the center of El Paso, leading north 11 miles (18 km) to Minonk and south 5 miles (8.0 km) to Kappa.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, El Paso has a total area of 2.15 square miles (5.57 km2), all land. The city sits on high ground that drains north to the East Branch of Panther Creek and south to the headwaters of Wolf Creek. Both creek systems are south-flowing tributaries of the Mackinaw River and part of the Illinois River watershed.

El Paso experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Average high temperatures in July reach around 85.6 °F, while January sees average lows near 15 °F. The city receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority occurring between April and October, and about 13 inches of snowfall each year. The city's elevation is approximately 499 feet above sea level.

El Paso's geographic location places it within the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area, contributing to its connectivity and regional significance.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, El Paso had a population of 2,756. The median age was 39.1 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18 and 16.9% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.1 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 90.5 males age 18 and over.

0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 1,068 households in El Paso, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 48.3% were married-couple households, 17.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 27.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 1,160 housing units, of which 7.9% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 11.0%.

Income and poverty

Income data revealed that the median household income in El Paso was $70,063, while the average household income was $78,267. Approximately 4.7% of families were living below the poverty line.

Demographic estimates

El Paso encompasses a total land area of 2.1 square miles, resulting in a population density of approximately 1,272.10 residents per square mile. The population is distributed across various age groups, with 9% under 10 years, 16% aged 10–17, 13% aged 18–24, 11% aged 25–34, 14% aged 35–44, 9% aged 45–54, 13% aged 55–64, and 15% aged 65 and older. The majority of residents are U.S.-born citizens, accounting for 96.88% of the population.

Education

El Paso's school district, CUSD #11, is the product of a consolidation with the school district of Gridley, IL. CUSD #11's schools are split between El Paso and Gridley:

El Paso Gridley High School - Housing all of the high school students for the district

El Paso Gridley Junior High School - Housing all of the upper and lower levels of junior high (grades 5, 6, 7, and 8) students for the district

Centennial School - Housing all the grade 3 and 4 elementary students of the district

Jefferson Park - Housing all the preschool, kindergarten, and grade 1 and 2 elementary students of the district

The educational landscape of El Paso, Illinois, has evolved significantly since the mid-19th century. In 1850, Reverend Abner Peeler taught the first school in Kansas Township near Zachariah Brown's cabin. By 1857, the town of El Paso had constructed its first schoolhouse, where Henry Hewitt served as the inaugural teacher.

By 1859, the Illinois Central Railroad tracks divided the city into East and West sides, prompting the establishment of two rival school districts. The East Side school, constructed in 1869 and completed in 1870, was later named McKinley School after President William McKinley's assassination in 1901.

Both schools initially offered two-year high school programs, with the East Side school graduating its first student, Julia Toussieng, in 1874. By 1893, both schools had expanded their curricula to include four-year high school courses. In 1910, the high school programs were consolidated at Jefferson Park, though the grade schools remained separate until 1944.

El Paso Township High School District #375 was established in 1916 following voter approval, despite legal challenges that reached the Illinois Supreme Court. A new brick high school was constructed in 1921, featuring modern amenities such as an auditorium and gymnasium.

Culture

Attractions

El Paso Public Library, a Carnegie library built in 1907

Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Spiritual Centre

The Legacy Building and Project XV Museum

Illinois Central Railroad and Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad Freight House

El Paso Golf Club

The El Paso District Library, established with a Carnegie grant in 1907, has operated continuously as a public library. It offers reading materials, programs, and resources for local residents. In 1906, their efforts culminated in securing a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, leading to the construction of a beautiful two-story library building.

The library has served the community for over a century, situated at the heart of town in Jefferson Park, conveniently located near the elementary, middle, and high schools. It has been a cornerstone for education and lifelong learning, offering books, services, and knowledge to all, and instilling a love of reading in citizens of all ages.

In 2010, the library began exploring the possibility of expanding its facilities to accommodate increased usage, a growing collection, and to provide greater accessibility. Fundraising efforts took place through 2012 and 2013, leading to the commencement of construction in 2013. The expanded library opened its doors on May 3, 2014, celebrated by hundreds of community members. This expansion was completed solely with grants and donations from the community.

The addition brought several improvements, including full accessibility, increased space for books and accessories, improved areas for public computers and technology, separate meeting spaces for library and community programs, quiet study rooms, and dedicated areas for the storage and display of El Paso's history. Notable rooms include the Edward and Marjory Heiken Children's Room, the Lester Pfister History and Genealogy Room, and the Drake Family-Heartland Bank Community Room.

Parks

El Paso maintains multiple public parks that provide recreational opportunities and green spaces for residents and visitors alike. These parks serve as hubs for community activities, outdoor leisure, and cultural events, reflecting the city's dedication to enhancing quality of life. With features ranging from historic bandstands to modern playgrounds, the parks offer a blend of history, charm, and contemporary amenities.

Jefferson Park

Established on May 26, 1857, Jefferson Park, one of El Paso's original parks, was donated by Wathen during the city's platting. Enclosed with an iron fence in 1877 to protect it from wandering cattle, the park also featured a bandstand that became a focal point for community events and summer concerts. The Kiwanis Bi-centennial Memorial was built in 1976 by the Kiwanis Club of El Paso as part of the celebration of the United States' bicentennial to honor this milestone and commemorate the community's involvement in the celebration. The Kiwanis also added a picnic shelter to the west of the memorial in 1997 followed by a second shelter to the south of the first. The park currently offers a children's playground, picnic tables, shelter, and an outdoor stage. The block on which the park resides is also home to the El Paso District Library, which occupies the southern triangle of the block. Jefferson Park is known colloquially as Library Park by locals.

Franklin Park

Also established on May 26, 1857, Franklin Park, donated by the Gibson family, is another of the city's original parks. Similar to Jefferson Park, Franklin Park was enclosed by an iron fence in 1877 and later improved with diagonal walking paths in 1912. During the 1914 community improvement effort, 536 wagonloads of dirt were added to raise the park's grade. Over time, additional features such as drinking fountains, playground equipment, and flower beds were incorporated. An iconic slide in the shape of an elephant was added to the playground area in 1962 through fundraising efforts by the El Paso Women's Club.

Plans for a gazebo to serve as a central gathering spot for events and visitors in the center of Franklin Park commenced in 2021 with completion of the gazebo in October 2022. Nicknamed "Elephant Park" due to its iconic elephant slide, Franklin Park remains a cherished recreational area in El Paso.

Corn Belt Park

Established in 1951 on a former Fursman & Straight tile factory clay pit purchased by the city on October 4, 1920, Corn Belt Park has been a central recreational area in El Paso. The city used the pit located at Main Street and Pine Street for refuse until full, leveling the area in 1951 for conversion into a park named El Paso Corn Belt Park. The park currently offers basketball courts, a small playground area, and a sheltered picnic area.

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park, located on the southern edge of El Paso, offers modern recreational facilities including walking trails, sports fields, recreation center, pool, and playground. Development of the park began in 1987 with the city's purchase of the land south of Clay Street. An Olympic-sized swimming pool with a lap pool and diving board opened for use in 1992. The Community Building directly to the east of the pool also opened in 1992 and provides space for public meetings, private events, and local programs. With construction beginning on the facility in 2022, the American Buildings Recreation Center features a gymnasium, fitness rooms, and spaces for indoor sports and exercise classes, significantly expanding the park's year-round recreational offerings. Today, South Pointe Park remains an essential part of the El Paso community, supporting sports leagues, family gatherings, and various public events.

Bike Trail & Walking Path

The Bike Trail & Walking Path is a 5.4-mile multi-use path that extends from approximately 1.5 miles north of El Paso to South Pointe Park, effectively bisecting the community. Developed along a former railroad right-of-way as part of the Rails to Trails program beginning in 1989, the trail offers a flat, accessible route for both cyclists and pedestrians. The trail begins at South Pointe Park on the city's south side and traverses through El Paso, concluding near a creek north of town amidst cultivated fields. The 1.3-mile northern extension was added via a grand in 1992. This conversion of the abandoned railway into a recreational asset reflects the city's commitment to repurposing historical infrastructure for community benefit. The trail provides residents and visitors with a scenic route for exercise and leisure, enhancing the city's recreational offerings.

Notable people

Chick Evans, college athletics coach; raised in El Paso

Byron Keith, actor, best known for recurring roles in Batman (TV series) and 77 Sunset Strip; born in El Paso

Bern Shanks, conservationist

Fulton J. Sheen, Catholic archbishop and televangelist; born in El Paso

David A. Strother, voting rights activist; lived and died in El Paso

Elsa Swartz, composer and music educator; born in El Paso

Ryan Unzicker, racing driver; born in El Paso

Clifford J. Vogelsang, Illinois state senator, judge, and lawyer; born in El Paso