The purchase of two acres of land in 1881 was for the use as a town square and became a fully functional plaza by 1883. It was named, San Jacinto Plaza, after the battle for Texas Independence in 1903.
The original design and layout was like that of many urban gathering spots in the late 1880’s, a centralized open area in the middle with sidewalks, trees and benches spreading out from the center. A sundial design at the center of the Plaza was eventually added around the “Los Lagartos” Fountain with Alligators.
Alligators were introduced into the existing central pond in the 1880’s and were the main attraction to visitors. The alligators were removed in 1974 for humane reasons. A commemorative statue of three alligators was commissioned and placed in the central fountain in 1995 to honor the 80-year presence of alligators in the Plaza.
San Jacinto Plaza has always been at the heart of the great and colorful history of the El Paso community. From a military outpost established three decades before El Paso was incorporated, a meeting place for citizens to discuss current events, viewing the troops as they paraded around the square, art exhibitions during the 1930’s, holiday festivities, watching the alligator’s that once resided in the center of the park, to weekly history dissertations in the summer month.
In the beginning horse drawn carriages surrounded the plaza. In 1950 it became a major boarding area for city buses and taxicabs.
Recently, San Jacinto Park and El Paso were recognized for their importance to our southern neighbors Mexico, when they placed the historical marker, “First Meeting of Presidents Taft and Diaz” which echo’s our sentiments that this park was and remains a legacy to the heritage of our great state, the southwest and El Paso.
There are 16 plaques of national, state, county and local significance dispersed throughout San Jacinto Plaza representing historical events as well as local donations and memorials. Six of these plaques provide recognition for national, state and county level historic designations.
A complete renovation of San Jacinto Plaza began in late 2013 following a Quality of Life Bond approved by voters in 2011. The renovation cost is 5.3 million and is anticipated to be done in the Spring of 2015. The renovations enlarge the footprint of the plaza, adding new irrigation, new sidewalks, an updated performance stage, a full service cafe, an interactive water splash-pad and reflecting pools. This new modern landscaped park will also have new tables, benches and chessboards. Bridges have been built to cross over an arroyo that runs through the plaza and will be better exposed and adorned with boulders. And, of course, the Los Largartos statue will be returned to the center of the Plaza.