An aerial streetmap from 1898
Sanborn Maps, like this 1898 image from the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, show the Magoffin Historic District as the first dwellings were being built. 

Located in the heart of El Paso, the Magoffin Historic District is a unique blend of the city's rich history. Designated as a Historic District by the El Paso City Council in 1985 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, this district is home to over 200 buildings, 87 percent of which are steeped in history. 

Spanning 65 acres, it boasts a collection of century-old homes, vintage apartment buildings, the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, churches, small businesses, and more, making it a living tapestry of the city's past. 

To highlight the significant architectural and societal history of this neighborhood, a self-guided walking tour and a printed brochure were created in the 2010s. This was a collaborative effort by the El Paso County Historical Commission, the El Paso Community Foundation, Magoffin Home staff, and the dedicated research and help of important local community historians. 

Their collective efforts have played a crucial role in preserving the rich history of the Magoffin Historic District, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among the local community. 

Magoffin Historic District Walking Tour PDF

A black and white newspaper photo of a large stone building
A view of the Toltec Club as it neared completion.

After another decade of inquiry and research, the walking tour and accompanying brochure were updated and expanded to provide a more comprehensive exploration of the Magoffin Historic District. This was made possible by another team of researchers, historians, and community sponsors, such as the El Paso Community Foundation and the El Paso County Historical Commission. 

The updated brochure includes a more detailed map and descriptions, explores undertold stories not included in the last booklet, and has more historical images from the neighborhood throughout time. Some of the information from beyond the Magoffin Historic District, such as the city's courthouse district, was not included in the updated brochure, so that room was available for more-detailed looks into the Magoffin Historic District.  

New Magoffin Historic District Walking Tour PDF

An architect's blueprint for an apartment building
The Develan Court Apartments front elevation schematic, as designed by architect S. E. Patton.

This new 90-minute walking tour takes visitors through the stories, architecture, and legacies that have shaped the Southwest. From the iconic Magoffin Home to hidden gems scattered throughout the district, it offers a rich experience for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and curious travelers alike.