A to Z Exhibit - El Paso, Texas

Mass transportation in 1882 came in the form of mule cars, which were used on the streets of El Paso and Juarez until 1902, when they were replaced by electric streetcars. A memorial to these first streetcars, consisting of an original mule car and a cast iron mule, was dedicated at San Jacinto Plaza in September, 1955. Two Texas Western art students, Odd fellows Lodge 284, The Popular Department Store, and El Paso City Lines were involved with the project. The ceremony was binational, befitting the world’s first international streetcar line. The memorial was eventually moved and was located at the corner of El Paso and Missouri Streets from 1969 until 2005. Mandy was one of several mules used to pull the cars. When the line was electrified in 1902, she was given a symbolic ride on the first electric streetcar and then was retired from streetcar service.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History