Editing El Paso, Illinois (section)

==History==

[[File:El Paso, Illinois Post Office on Stormy Day.jpg|thumb|right|El Paso, Illinois Post Office]]

[[File:Campbell House Ticket Offices and Waiting Rooms for IC (Illinois Central) and TPW (Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway) Railroads 1896.jpg|thumb|right|The Campbell House, 1896]]

[[File:The Campbell House Memorial, El Paso, Illinois, November 2024.jpg|thumb|right|The Campbell House Memorial]]

[[File:West Block of Front St, El Paso, Illinois, November 2024 04.jpg|thumb|right|West Block of Front St]]

[[File:East Block of Front St, El Paso, Illinois, November 2024 05.jpg|thumb|right|East Block of Front St]]

El Paso was founded by George Gibson and James Wathen. Gibson gave it the Spanish name ''El Paso'', either after [[El Paso, Texas]],<ref name="illinoiscentralmagazine">{{cite book |title=Illinois Central Magazine |volume=10 |editor=Illinois Central Railroad Company |publisher=Illinois Central Railroad Company |location=Chicago, Illinois |year=1922 |page=43 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3WI3AQAAMAAJ&pg=PT48#v=onepage&q=El%20paso%20was%20named%20for&f=false |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> or because of a nearby railroad junction.<ref name="placenameorigin">{{cite book |title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States |author=Gannett, Henry |year=1905 |publisher=Govt. Print. Off. |page=118 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA118 |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref>

In the 19th century, the city's strategic location at the intersection of the Illinois Central Railroad and the Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad played a pivotal role in its development as a vital commercial hub.<ref name="icrhistory">{{cite book |title=History of the Illinois Central Railroad |author=Stover, John F. |year=1975 |publisher=Macmillan |page=33 |url=https://ia600206.us.archive.org/10/items/historyofillinoi00rail/historyofillinoi00rail.pdf |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="pastpresentwoodford">{{cite book |title=Past and Present of Woodford County, Illinois |author=Chicago, W. H. |year=1878 |url=https://libsysdigi.library.illinois.edu/oca/Books2008-06/pastpresentofwoo00chic/pastpresentofwoo00chic.pdf |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref name="icrhistory"/><ref name="pastpresentwoodford" /> The Illinois Central Railroad, in particular, attracted numerous businesses and settlers, spurring economic growth and connecting the town to larger cities.<ref name="icrcompanyrecords1920-1972">{{cite web |title=Recently Processed Illinois Central Railroad Company Records, 1920-1972 |author=Urbana Free Library |url=https://urbanafreelibrary.org/local-history/blog/recently-processed-illinois-central-railroad-company-records-1920-1972 |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> This connection laid the foundation for El Paso's continued expansion into the late 1800s, fueling its business and social activity.<ref name="pastpresentwoodford" />

In 1867, El Paso tried unsuccessfully to become the county seat of Woodford County by offering $30,000 to Metamora to relinquish the title.<ref name="genealogytrails_elpasotownship" /> A closely contested vote initially favored El Paso, but a recount reversed the decision by a margin of ten votes.<ref name="genealogytrails_elpasotownship" /> 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.<ref name="genealogytrails_elpasotownship" /> 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.

<ref name="Anderson 1993 p65">{{cite book|title=Woodford County, Illinois: A History|author=Anderson, William|publisher=Woodford Historical Society|year=1993|page=65}}</ref>

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.<ref name="genealogytrails_elpasotownship" /><ref name="pastpresentwoodford" /> 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.<ref name="elpasostory126">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx126.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> Over time, the post office moved locations several times, including a move to a building on Elm Street in 1861 and later to the Shur, Tompkins & Co. Bank building.<ref name="elpasostory127">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx127.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> 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.<ref name="elpasostory127"/> 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.<ref name="elpasostory315">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx315.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="elpasostory316">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx316.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref>

The Campbell House<ref name="elpasostory72">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx72.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> in El Paso, Illinois, was built in 1854 by William Campbell, an early settler and prominent local figure, and it served as an important stagecoach stop along the Peoria and Bloomington Road.<ref name="elpasostory74">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx74.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> The building was razed in 1938.<ref name="elpasostory78">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx78.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="elpasostory79">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx79.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> The house, later preserved as a historic landmark, reflects the pioneer spirit of the region and the city's early development. A memorial on the property honors the Campbell family's contributions to El Paso's history, celebrating their role in shaping the community.<ref name="elpasostory79" />

In 1869, El Paso was depicted in a map entitled "Map of El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois" by Albert Ruger, which provided a detailed panoramic view of the town, showcasing its early infrastructure, including streets, buildings, and notable landmarks such as religious institutions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Map of El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/73693355/|accessdate=January 22, 2025|publisher=Library of Congress}}</ref> This map offers a snapshot of El Paso as a growing community with a bustling railroad intersection at its core. By the late 19th century, Front Street had become the central hub of El Paso's business district, reflecting the town's growth alongside the railroad.<ref name="Anderson 1993 p65"/> A major reconstruction effort in 1894 transformed the street with the addition of brick-paved roads and new commercial buildings, solidifying its status as a bustling center of commerce.<ref name="elpasostory120">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx120.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="elpasostory121">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx121.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> In addition to commercial activities, the Eagle Block Building, constructed in 1874, became a key social center, housing various businesses, a library, and even the city's opera house.<ref name="souvenir16">{{cite web |title=1896 Souvenir Album of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/ep1896bk/pgtx016.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> Today, Front Street continues to preserve its historic charm while serving as a vital part of the community, with revitalization of the sidewalks occurring in 2022.<ref name="elpasoil2022-10-24">{{cite web |title=October 24, 2022, Minutes |url=https://www.elpasoil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10242022-232 |publisher=El Paso, Illinois City Council |date=October 24, 2022 |accessdate=January 22, 2025}}</ref>

Education played a crucial role in El Paso's development. By 1878, Panola Township had ten school districts—Panola, Hilsabeck, Shaw, Pauley, De Vries, McOmber, Hodgson, Bassett, Roth, and Punke—with a total of 480 students, demonstrating the community's early commitment to education.<ref name="elpasostory205">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx205.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> In late 1856, Handley King built a home at First and Pine streets, where his aunt taught the first school with 20 pupils, and later, Jennie Fishburn and Harry H. Hewitt became key figures in the community's growing educational efforts, which led to the addition of classrooms due to overcrowding.<ref name="genealogytrails_elpasotownship">{{cite web |title=El Paso, Illinois Genealogy and History |url=https://genealogytrails.com/ill/woodford/elpaso.html |website=Genealogy Trails |access-date=20 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="elpasostory206">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx206.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> El Paso's school district initially encompassed the entire village and most of the northern half of El Paso Township, but a rivalry between east and west side businessmen led to the division of the district in 1869, with two separate schools established.<ref name="elpasostory207">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx207.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> The East Side school, built in 1869, and the West Side school, initially a wooden structure replaced by a brick building in 1897, operated independently until 1944, when a popular vote consolidated the districts into one unified grade school district.<ref name="elpasostory208">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx208.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> Despite this rivalry, educational advancements were made, including the introduction of a four-year high school program in 1892 and the creation of El Paso Township High School District #375 in 1916, culminating in the construction of a new high school building in 1921.<ref name="elpasostory209">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx209.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> In addition to these educational institutions, El Paso's commitment to learning is also reflected in the establishment of the Carnegie library in 1907, a cornerstone for public education and community enrichment.<ref name="elpasostory214">{{cite web |title=El Paso Story: The Centennial Book of El Paso, Illinois |url=http://www.allendrake.com/elpasohistory/epstory/pgtx214.htm |year=1999 |publisher=Heartland Bank & Trust Company |author=Joel Dudley, Derek Campbell, George Drake, Jim Drake, supervised by Allen Drake |access-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> The library continues to serve as a resource for residents of all ages, offering a place to read, learn, and grow.<ref name="epdl">{{cite web|title=El Paso District Library|url=https://www.elpasodistrictlibrary.org/|access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>

These historical landmarks and developments highlight El Paso's evolution from a railroad junction to a thriving community rich in culture, education, and commerce. The preservation of buildings such as the Campbell House and the Eagle Block Building, along with the continued importance of Front Street and the El Paso Public Library, ensures that the legacy of this pioneering town will be remembered for generations to come.