On The Trail With Beth Nobles

By Beth Nobles —

When you're in El Paso for some holiday shopping, why not take a few minutes to visit the Magoffin Home Historic Site? Already decorated for the holidays, the adobe home is one of the surviving structures in the area, dating back to 1875. The home is a prime example of Territorial style architecture and features a center courtyard and peaceful landscape, and reflects the lives of one of the earliest families in the region. The Magoffins were a multicultural family, active and influential participants in their community; served during military conflicts and witnessed important historic events. Visitors will see numerous authentic artifacts including furniture, textiles, photographs, art and documents on display in the home. These are supplemented with period pieces to give a more complete view of what the home looked like in different time periods.

When Joseph and Octavia Magoffin moved into their new home in 1877, El Paso was a small frontier town. Joseph built the home on property he had obtained from his late father. In 1887, the El Paso Times described the homestead, “Tewhe grounds surrounding it comprise twenty acres, embraced in lawns, flower gardens, fruit orchards, vegetable beds, grass plats and small grain divisions.” The couple was well known for their hospitality and entertained guests frequently in the home.

The Magoffin Home is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is in the National Register of Historic Places. It is El Paso's only house museum. A gift shop is also on the grounds and plans are under way to add a visitor center and exhibit space.

Address/Contact:

1120 Magoffin Ave.

El Paso, Texas 79901

915.533.5147

Hours:

Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

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