Editing El Paso, Illinois (section)

== Culture ==
[[File:El Paso Public Library from southeast.jpg|thumb|El Paso Public Library]]

[[File:The Legacy Building, El Paso, Illinois, December 28, 2024.jpg|thumb|The Legacy Building]]

[[File:Railroad depot, El Paso, IL.jpg|thumb|Illinois Central Railroad and Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad Freight House]]

=== Attractions ===
* [[El Paso Public Library (Illinois)|El Paso Public Library]], a [[Carnegie library]] built in 1907<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/pdfs/201115.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005115041/http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/pdfs/201115.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 5, 2016|title=El Paso Public Library - National Register of Historic Places Registration Form|date=June 29, 1994|access-date=October 4, 2016}}</ref>
* Archbishop [[Fulton J. Sheen|Fulton John Sheen]] Spiritual Centre<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pjstar.com/x1522315458/Two-museums-tell-the-tale-of-Archbishop-Fulton-J-Sheen|title=Two museums tell the tale of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen|last=Vlahos|first=Nick|access-date=2016-10-04}}</ref>
* [https://www.thelegacybuilding.co The Legacy Building] and [https://www.projectxvmuseum.com Project XV Museum]
* [[El Paso freight station|Illinois Central Railroad and Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad Freight House]]
* El Paso Golf Club<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elpasogolfclub.com/|title=El Paso Golf Club - Home Page|website=www.elpasogolfclub.com|access-date=2016-10-04}}</ref>

==== El Paso District Library ====

The El Paso District Library in El Paso, Illinois, has a rich history dating back to 1873 when the Ladies' Library Association established a volunteer library in various locations throughout the town. In 1906, their efforts culminated in securing a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, leading to the construction of a beautiful two-story library building.<ref name="Library History">{{cite web | title=Library History and Areas Available | url=https://www.elpasodistrictlibrary.org/library-history-and-areas-available.html | website=El Paso District Library | access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Library History"/>

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.<ref name="Library History"/>

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.<ref name="Library History"/>

Today, the El Paso District Library remains a centerpiece and gathering place for the community, continuing its mission to promote education and lifelong learning.

==== The Legacy Building and Project XV Museum ====

The Legacy Building, located at 1 West Front Street in El Paso, Illinois, was originally constructed in 1874 as the Eagle Block Building. This historic structure has served various purposes over the years, including housing the American Dairy Association, the First National Bank, and the city's opera house. In 1894, a devastating fire destroyed much of Front Street, including the original building. However, the vault of the First National Bank survived the blaze, allowing for the reconstruction of the building, which was completed in 1895.<ref name="Legacy">{{cite web | title=History | url=https://www.thelegacybuilding.co/history | website=The Legacy Building | access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref>

Today, the Legacy Building houses several local businesses, such as Can Do Kids International, Heirloom Photography, The Legacy Opera House, and Virginia Lee's home decorating business. The building also features a restored opera house that accommodates up to 200 guests, making it a popular venue for weddings and special events.<ref name="Legacy"/>

Adjacent to the Legacy Building is the Project XV Museum, dedicated to honoring the history of voting rights in the United States. The museum is named after the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. A significant exhibit focuses on [[David A. Strother]], a local barber who, in 1870, became the first African American to vote in Illinois after the passage of the 15th Amendment. The museum aims to educate and empower communities by shedding light on the rich history of voting rights.<ref>{{cite web | title=Project XV Museum | url=https://www.projectxvmuseum.com | website=Project XV Museum | access-date=29 December 2024}}</ref>

The Legacy Building and the Project XV Museum together serve as important cultural and historical landmarks in El Paso, Illinois, preserving the town's rich heritage and promoting education on voting rights.

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

The Illinois Central Railroad and Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad Freight House, located at 8-10 East Front Street in El Paso and known as "The Depot" by locals, was a key transportation hub in the region, serving both railroads. El Paso was founded in the 1850s by landowners who successfully competed to secure the site of the crossing of these two major rail lines, marking a turning point in the city's development. The depot, initially constructed in 1889-90 following the destruction of the original building, played a vital role in shipping agricultural products from the surrounding area and in supporting the local economy by facilitating the movement of goods. The depot remained operational for many years, becoming a cornerstone of the city's economic activity until rail transport began to decline in the 1930s, ceasing entirely by the 1960s. Despite the decline, it stood as the longest-surviving structure associated with both railroads until its eventual demolition and relocation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/el-paso-il/points-of-interest/illinois-central-railroad-and-toledo-peoria-and-western-railroad-freight-house|title=Illinois Central Railroad and Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad Freight House|website=Roadtrippers|access-date=2025-01-06}}</ref>

The freight depot's historical significance was formally recognized when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 16, 1994. Though it was relocated to 17 East Main Street in El Paso, it retains its status on the register, preserving the memory of its contributions to the city's development. The depot, once a bustling point of activity, symbolizes the important role that railroads played in the economic life of the American Midwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Even after rail traffic ceased, the building remained a part of the fabric of El Paso, long after the area had seen a decline in rail use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnrhistoric/preserve/siteassets/pages/places/national-register-listings-in-illinois-updated-june-2022.pdf|title=National Register Listings in Illinois|website=Illinois Department of Natural Resources|access-date=2025-01-06}}</ref>

In 2000, the building found a new purpose when it became the Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Spiritual Centre. Archbishop Sheen, born in El Paso in 1895, was a prominent Catholic figure, known for his popular television programs and his impactful work as a bishop. The center showcases exhibits dedicated to his life and legacy, including personal items such as his 1953 Emmy Award, along with magazines, photographs, and videos of his work. The center is dedicated to preserving his memory and providing an educational experience about Sheen's contributions to the Church and media. The refurbished depot has become a focal point of inspiration and reflection, drawing visitors from across the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.archbishopfultonsheencentre.com/default.html|title=Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Spiritual Centre|website=Official Website|access-date=2025-01-06}}</ref>