Sometimes El Paso seems so big, it is easy to forget how intertwined the history of Fort Bliss and El Paso have been through the years. The Army Post moved five times before settling in its current location through the over one hundred and fifty years since its establishment.
One piece of evidence is the Old Officer’s Quarters remaining on the West side of the city, several feet from the border fence separating Mexico and the city. Located on Pasiano Drive, the site gives a glimpse of the housing of the 1880’s.
I had passed the site once when driving down Paisano Drive to avoid the hustle of the near-by Interstate 10, and since then I was eager to get a chance to go check it out. The site was abandoned in 2013, when the buildings were being used as apartments. As I walked through the area, it was quietening to see the area that once housed the leaders of the military units now deteriorating and vacant.
On one of the walls a “Recorded Texas Historic Landmark” marker dated 1965 describes a little bit about the area:
“Old Fort Bliss on site formerly in Mexico. Owned after 1849 by Simeon Hart, Founder of Hart’s Mill and Early Village of El Paso.
Officer’s Quarters, Built about 1879 on 3 Foundations of Hewn Stone. 24 (inch) wall are double laid adobe brick.”
Walking around the small area, I was also able to see the former home of Simeon Hart. The building was once used as the La Hacienda Café and is now closed as well. Simeon Hart was a member of the Missouri Cavalry and wounded in battle. After marrying, he returned to El Paso and established a flour mill.
It is a short but interesting look at the history of Fort Bliss and the area. It is hard to predict how much longer these structures may stand, but it was a great opportunity to take a moment to reflect.