San Antonio Street Around 1900

San Antonio Street Around 1900

The image shows San Antonio Street, El Paso, Texas probably in the beginning of 20th century. Coaches were still the way of transportation; no cars can be seen yet. However, the need for electricity in El Paso started around 1900, when El Paso grew from a small adobe village to a thriving city due to the arrival of the railroad in 1881. Electricity on a large scale was first used in transportation: The mule-drawn streetcar system was ended in 1900 and instead, electric cars were being used. Since then, electric streetcars did not only operate between El Paso and Juarez but routes were built in all directions; to Fort Bliss, Government Hill and to the Mesa Street route. In 1886, the first small direct generating plant had been established, providing current for a few street lights and stores. By 1890, the El Paso pioneer Zach T. White had assumed command of the electrical energy business and had new generating equipment installed at Third and Chihuahua Streets. The use of incandescent lamps began in El Paso stores and homes. Since then, electric systems grew and a larger generating plant was built (since 1910s). It supplied power not only to El Paso, but also to Juarez. El Paso Electric Railway Company was the largest electric company at that time.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: C.L. Sonnichsen Special Collections, University of Texas at El Paso Library. Collection Name: Texas State Hist. Assoc-MS153. Photo ID: San Antonio Street.jpg.

Uploaded by: UTEP Library Special Collections

Comments

Add a comment
Thank you for your comment

Report this entry

Choose the most important reason for this report

Your name

Your email address

Optional detail

Thank you for your report

More from the same community-collection

Memories w/ friends

A few friends enjoy each others company and the view of El ...

My family and me during the 2016 Christmas event

This is a picture of my family and me during the 2016 Christmas ...

El Paso Star

This picture represents El Paso and everyone who lives here. It ...

El Paso Star

The El Paso Star overlooking downtown with the sunset in the ...

Overview of El Paso

Overview of Downtown El Paso

Our roots

Teaching my daughter about her Mexican heritage.

Podium Finish Sport Boutique

The Podium created by Jo Ann Underwood. By a passion of ...

Cristina Fernandez joins Podium Finish Sport Boutique

Cristina Fernandez joins PodiumFinish Sport Boutique on her ...

My friends and I enjoying Chalk the Block

Chalk the Block was a beautiful experience, especially with my ...

City Marshal John B. Tays

John B. Tays a former Texas Ranger (Salt War fame), served as El ...

Kress Store, El Paso, TX, circa 1945

This is an old photo of the Kress store between the 1940-1949's.

Baseball Snack the El Paso Way!

A night at the Ballpark celebrated with a unique El Paso flair!

San Jacinto Plaza

Historic San Jacinto Plaza located in the heart of downtown El ...

San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso, TX circa 2017

Historic San Jacinto Plaza located in the heart of downtown El ...

San Jacinto Plaza

Historic San Jacinto Plaza located in the heart of downtown El ...

San Jacinto Plaza

Historic San Jacinto Plaza located in the heart of downtown El ...

San Jacinto Plaza

Historic San Jacinto Plaza located in the heart of downtown El ...

Youth Skateboarding

Kids looking for places to skate and shoot video

Bike Rentals, El Paso, TX circa 2019

KIDS RENTED BIKES AND RIDING AROUND TOWN

1st visit

Our first visit to the El Paso Digital wall

EPHP Towntalk Sports El Paso High school football media guide

The cover for the El Paso HeraldPost Towntalk Sports El Paso , ...

August 3rd Community Memorial Service

The City of El Paso is hosted a Community Memorial Service to ...

August 3rd Community Memorial Service

The City of El Paso is hosted a Community Memorial Service to ...

home.search_collection