The Paramount Importance of Hiring a Local, Licensed, and Insured Pressure Washing Company

soft Wash Roof Cleaning company

Key Takeaways

  1. Risk Mitigation: The value of licensing and insurance in risk reduction.
  2. Local Expertise: The advantage of a local firm’s knowledge and experience.
  3. Quality of Service: The relationship between licensing, insurance, and service quality.
  4. Supporting Local Economy: The broader impact of supporting local businesses.

Pressure washing is a popular service utilized by homeowners and businesses alike to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of their properties. However, the choice of the pressure washing company can significantly influence the outcomes of this maintenance task. When considering which company to hire, the decision should not be made lightly. The company’s location, licensing status, and insurance coverage can impact the quality of service, risk levels, and even the local economy. This article delves into the importance of these factors, highlighting why it’s crucial to hire a local, licensed, and insured pressure washing company. Read on to uncover the key benefits of making such a choice, and how it can positively affect your property and community.

Risk Mitigation

The first and foremost reason to hire a licensed and insured pressure washing company lies in the realm of risk mitigation. Pressure washing may seem like a simple task, but it involves high-powered machinery that, if handled improperly, can lead to property damage or personal injury. A licensed pressure washing company ensures that the people handling the equipment are trained professionals who know how to use the equipment safely and effectively. In the unfortunate event of an accident, an insured company offers protection against potential financial liabilities. This insurance not only covers damages that might occur to your property but also any potential worker’s compensation claims.

Local Expertise

Another significant advantage of hiring a local pressure washing company is their intimate understanding of the local environment. Different regions have unique types of dirt, grime, and biological growth that require specific treatment. A local company has likely encountered and successfully dealt with these local challenges many times before. Moreover, they are familiar with local regulations and restrictions regarding water use and chemical runoff, ensuring your property remains compliant with all rules and regulations.

Jake Heir from wash docs stated “when we started our pressure washing company in boynton beach, we knew there was an opportunity to help the community we lived in for the past 10 years. Providing a service of good quality with the intention of fulfilling all local regulations was important for us because we knew the local community could rely on it.”

Quality of Service

Licensing and insurance often serve as indicators of a company’s commitment to quality and professionalism. A licensed company has met the requisite standards set by the licensing body, indicating a level of expertise and professionalism. Similarly, an insured company is prepared for unforeseen circumstances, demonstrating a responsible attitude towards their business and their customers. Together, licensing and insurance suggest that you’re dealing with a reputable company that values quality service and customer satisfaction.

Supporting Local Economy

Finally, by hiring a local pressure washing company, you are contributing to your local economy. Local businesses are often owned and operated by people who live in your community. The money you pay for the service stays within the community, supporting local jobs and contributing to the overall economic health of your area. Additionally, local businesses are more likely to contribute to local causes and charities, adding to their value in the community.

Hire A Pressure Washing Company & Support The Local Economy

In conclusion, hiring a local, licensed, and insured pressure washing company is an investment that offers numerous benefits. Beyond the immediate advantages of superior service and risk mitigation, it also supports the broader community and local economy. Therefore, when considering pressure washing services, these factors should be high on your list of considerations.

Smarten Up Your Gardening With These Helpful Tips

Smarten Up Your Gardening

Gardening has been around forever and it’s something people have always enjoyed tremendously. Gardening can provide food for your family, or exist as a simple and relaxing pleasure. This article will help bring the delight of gardening into your life.

Annuals and biennials are an excellent way to add a splash of bright color to your flower gardens. These types of flowers grow at high speed, which gives you more flexibility in changing the look of your flower beds as the seasons change. You can use them between the gaps in shrubs and perennials where there is plenty of sun. Some plants to get you started include petunia, marigold, sunflower, rudbekcia, and cosmos.

When winter arrives, transfer a few plants into the house for safe storage during the cold weather. Find out which plants will be able to thrive despite the transplanting and different indoor conditions. When you dig up the plant, carefully avoid the roots then place it in a container.

If you discover that your soil is very alkaline, take used coffee grounds and mix them thoroughly with your soil. This is a great and cheap way to increase the acid levels in your dirt. This will allow your vegetables and greenery to really thrive.

Mint is a very tasty herb that has a tendency to run wild in the garden if not kept in check. Rein their growth; you can do this simply by planting mint inside a larger garden container or pot. You have the option of planting the container with the plant to keep the roots from taking the garden over.

Try to pour a bit of leftover water from your steamed veggies on them. If you have rhododendrons or gardenias, use coffee and tea grounds to acidify the soil. If fungus is an issue, Chamomile tea sprinkled on the plant may be effective.

Water your garden wisely. You can water efficiently by using a soaker hose which will eliminate the necessity of watering each plant one by one with a nozzle, or having to use a water can that you have to refill over and over. To avoid damaging delicate plants, you should water them with low pressure. Watering your garden for a couple hours while you are working on other tasks is an efficient use of your time.

If you have a high priority for sustainability in your organic gardening, try leaving a corner of the property undeveloped as a mini wildlife refuge. One side effect of this is that where animals thrive, so do birds and insects that help nurture and pollinate plants, which will increase the quality of your garden.

As we mentioned before, you can find much enjoyment in gardening, as people have done for centuries. Centuries ago, people gardened as a way to feed their families. Today, gardening is still done for need but also for profit and pleasure. What you read here can make gardening more pleasant for you. Gardening is rewarding both for you and all those who see your creations.

Increase Value, Appearance, And Quality Of Your Home

Quality Of Your Home

It can be exciting and difficult to do your own home improvements. You’ll need the following advice if you want to get started with some home improvement projects. Practicing what you’ve learned here will result in your projects being a success.

Changing your air filters is very important. It will help you breathe cleaner air, and it helps keep your AC unit in good working condition. A lot of problems can arise from dirty air filters.

Radiant Heat Tiles

Consider putting in radiant heat tiles. These tiles use electricity to produce enough heat to warm your feet. Fortunately, radiant heat tiles can be easily installed at home without hiring a professional. Therefore, you can do this project regardless of whether you hire anyone or not. You will be happy you did when you go into your bathroom on that first day of winter.

Before you pop open that can of paint and get your brush out, remember that you need to protect your flooring. Taking this precaution will save you from wet paint staining carpets or floors. A cheap way to get this done is using old newspapers in your layers. A paint cloth works well too, as you simply need to create a barrier to prevent the paint from hitting the floor.

If you have many small parts, such as screws and bolts, that you need to store but still need to access quickly, you should try small magnetic trays so they won’t slip off. It can get tough to locate the fasteners you need among all the different ones you have, no matter how well-organized your storage area is. When dealing with hand-written labels, they have a tendency to all blur together during a materials search.

Before investing in new hardwood floors, bring in a professional to inspect the current flooring in your home. Frequently, you may have a wonderful floor right under the old flooring in your home. You can wind up with nice, high-quality flooring for far less money than purchasing new hardwood.

Putting on a new roof is one of the major expenses of home ownership. Try getting estimates from several companies and check all of their references. There are lots of different options when it comes to new roofs. If you are not sure about these differences, you can also ask them to explain them to you so that you can make an informed decision.

Start thinking about ideas on how you would like to improve your home. Start planning ahead of time to compare as many different ideas as possible. You won’t have to clamor to choose a color at the very last minute.

Garage Door

To give your house more curb appeal, you can try to paint the doors for your garage. Garage doors often get exposed to different elements, making them look worn and dingy. Your house looks better overall with a freshly-painted garage door. Rather than going with something ordinary, paint your garage door a great color to compliment your house.

A lot of residential contractors just stick in cabinets made of particle board or wood — without any sort of hardware. Fortunately, these can be easily updated by purchasing knobs, handles, or drawer pulls at your local home improvement store or online. You can choose knobs, handles and pulls in a vintage look, modern or designer type, and they are easily installed.

Accomplishing a job well done will pay off in satisfaction and in the increased value of your home. If you don’t have much experience, use the tips you’ve read here to help you pull your project off.

5 Reasons to Choose Fitted Wardrobes

Choose Fitted Wardrobes

Determining whether to go for a free-standing or a fitted wardrobe may not seem as if it is the most important decision that you will ever have to make, however, when it comes to comfort and usability in the home, it becomes undeniably very important indeed.

There is an abundance of advantages to installing fitted wardrobes as opposed to free standing wardrobes. Here are 5 of the most important:

  1. Space

One such important advantage is the space. You can save ample space by filling up all your clothing, shoes and accessories – all organised in a storage unit that fits perfectly, alongside the wall of your room.

  1. Aesthetics

From an aesthetic perspective, you can ensure that the fitted wardrobes will perfectly fit in with the existing features of the room. One great design idea is to have the coving returned to the front of the units, giving the impression that the units are part of the room and built when the house was built.

  1. Material of choice

You can also choose both the type of material and finish you desire for your built-in wardrobe. You can change the doors on your fitted wardrobes to update the style or, if you decide to redecorate your room, you can easily replace the doors to match the new look. Additionally, other fixtures, such as light and electrical features are easily incorporated into fitted wardrobes, a luxury that free standing wardrobes cannot boast.

  1. Adaptability

The versatility of a fitted wardrobe is another great bonus over a free-standing wardrobe. You can add pull out units and drawers at any stage and the wardrobes can have flexible internals that can be modified to suit the family needs as it grows and changes.

  1. Maintenance

Cleaning is not an issue either, as fitted wardrobes don’t have any gaps at the sides,the bottom or on the top.There are no dust traps that are difficult to clean.

So, now that you have a clearer understanding of why built-in wardrobes are a much more desirable, satisfactory and effective than a regular free-standing, come and see a wide collection of Beautiful Fitted Wardrobes at Capital Bedrooms.

The recent Trends in Gurgaon Residential and Commercial real estate Sector

gurgaon

Gurgaon real estate has always been a matter of discussion in the Indian real estate market. Gurgaon is counted among the top-notch location in the residential and commercial real sector alike.

Owing to its wonderful location advantages, Gurgram is regarded as one of the best real estate market in India in terms of revenue collection. The location is ideal for many big industries, offices, multinational companies, corporate buildings, and other commercial setups.

It also houses a large number of entertainment hubs, shopping complexes, high rise malls, food courts, lounges and so on. The recent development in the transportation system which has a huge and wide network of metro rails, roadways and excellent connectivity to the international airport and railways station is an added advantage in Gurgaon.

However, the trend has not remained the same throughout. Like any other real estate market, Gurgaon real estate has also undergone several changes and transformations in trends with each year. There are a few recent trends observed in Gurgaon Residential as well as commercial property sector.

Here, we attempt at looking closely towards each of them and discussing them in brief sell inherited property.

Affordable Housing

With the launch of Affordable housing policy, the real estate section, especially in Gurgaon, has flowed with heavy investments. The major part of the investment in the real estate has been coming from affordable housing.

This trend is most likely to continue in 2019 as well. Government incentives provided to both developers as well as the homebuyers is accelerating the demand and supply in this segment.

The government has recently announced to extend the benefit of Credit Link Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) on home loans for the Middle Income Group (MIG) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) till March 2020. Under this scheme, a subsidy of up to ₹ 2.67 lakh on home loans can be availed by the homebuyers.

Factors boosting the realty sector in Gurugram

According to Vineet Relia, managing director of SARE Homes, Gurugram is one of the fastest emerging realty destinations in the NCR, having commercial, as well as residential properties.

She further adds to this: “New Gurugram enjoys excellent connectivity through the National Highway-8, Dwarka Expressway (Northern Peripheral Road) and Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway. This location is accessible from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Sohna Road, Golf Course Road, and Delhi. The city offers various property options at competitive prices and hence, can be considered as a vibrant realty destination. The shifting of the Kherki Daula toll to Manesar will boost connectivity to the area.”

The REITs question

As experts suggest, the first Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in the country will be launched in 2019. REITs were introduced in the year 2008 in India, followed by the issue of the first draft guidelines on the subject in 2013.

Also, in the last few years, the hurdles which were holding it like the ask of clarity on tax implication have been removed by the government. “One of the major drivers for the growing interest of investors in the commercial office space has been the government’s move to bring in progressive modifications in India’s REIT policy in last three years, making it more market-friendly.

As a result, global investors have invested significant capital in acquiring large office assets for building their REIT portfolios in India,” said Samantak Das, chief economist, and head, JLL India.

Accelerated growth

In recent years, Gurgaon is emerging as a corporate hub as well as one of the best destinations for residential property. The excellent connectivity to the Delhi through the Dwarka Expressway, NH, Golf course road and prominent locations like Sohna road has contributed to making Gurgaon one among the most desired real estate location. It not only provides the residential space but is one of the ideal spaces for corporate businesses.

The shared or the co-working spaces and the co-living spaces have also contributed as the changing trend in commercial as well as the residential sector. The availability of space for rent as people are buying more and more property in Gurgaon for investment purposes has become a new trend.

Institutional investors can be seen as bullish on the market as the commercial office segment in emerging areas of Gurgaon also offers excellent residential development opportunities.

Garage Floor Epoxy Coating For Durable & Tough Flooring

Garage Floor Epoxy Coating For Durable & Tough Flooring

Garages have always been abandoned and neglected in many households over the years. However, a trend is currently creeping in with many individuals now utilizing their garages, converting them from just storage spaces and car packs to work stations. Garages are slowly being converted into man-caves where homeowners get to establish their projects. The rejuvenating of these garages into suitable environments for dealing with new equipment requires the application of epoxy floor coating products. Epoxy is currently a trending floor coating product among many domestic and commercial applicants.

What is Garage Floor Epoxy?

This is a thermosetting resin applied as a coat to floors. Combining the resin and the hardener catalyst during application results in a curing reaction to produce cross-linked and robust polymer structures for garage floor refinishing, which enhances durability.

Benefits of garage floor epoxy coating

The benefits listed below are some of the reasons why epoxy is one of the best finishing products for your garage.

Durability

Epoxy floor coating is among the toughest products in the market. The curing process and the polymer structures ensure that the coating is thick and hard enough to withstand many damaging factors. For instance, the epoxy structure guarantees the ability to withstand impacts from heavy falling garage equipment without chipping or bruising. Furthermore, in the garage, there are some chemicals that can eat into the floors when spilled; however, epoxy’s structural integrity ensures impermeability and resistance to such harsh chemicals. Epoxy is, therefore, very tough and able to withstand immense pressure without cracking and getting damaged.

Aesthetics

Apart from your garage floor being damage proof, it would be best if you also worked in an appealing and relaxing environment. Epoxy floor coats usually come in varying colors and patterns. This is achieved through the addition of other materials according to the customer’s preference. The finishing can also be done in an array of patterns and designs at the demand of the garage owner. The finished coat is also usually smooth, flat, and seamlessly leveled. Thus, the epoxy floor coating will guarantee a mind-blowing transformation of your dull garage floor to something beautiful, ambient, and peaceful.

Slip-resistant

Epoxy floor surfaces are usually smooth and perfectly leveled; thus, they may be prone to sliding with the aid of other materials such as spilled lubricants in the garage, for more detail about assessing the slip resistance of flooring click here. Nevertheless, during the curing process of the epoxy, certain slip resistant aggregates are usually added into the mixture to reduce the potentiality of a slippery surface. This henceforth guarantees for the safety of the user against slippery floors while working.

Garage Floor Epoxy Coating For Durable & Tough Flooring

Moisture resistant

Since the chemical reaction involved in creating the epoxy coat produces hydrophobic polymers, the final coat is usually water/moisture resistant. This usually assists in various occasions, such as during cleaning. The water-resistant nature of the coat makes cleaning it much simpler, requiring only water and a little addition of ammonia solution in case of a stubborn stain.

Pricing

The prices of commodities always play a crucial role in determining their worth. Epoxy coating is usually competitively priced from acquiring the materials to professional personnel. This is because, unlike the other floor coating, which might be cheaper in general, the durability nature of epoxy minimizes the rate of replacement and the cost of maintenance. Thus, making epoxy coating an economical option for your garage.

Nevertheless, just like any other coating product, epoxy is not perfect and comes with specific precautionary measures required. For instance, immense heat sources in the garage, such as welding equipment and tire burns, maybe damaging and require proper and careful handling. During application, you should also ensure not to trap any moisture underneath the coat since the evaporation and expansion of the vapor might result in the delamination of the coat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is the best product to set up your garage floor. This is because of its beauty, strength, durability, low maintenance cost, easy cleaning, and skid resistance, among other benefits. Epoxy floor coating in your garage will thus ensure that you are set for close to half a decade without worrying about garage floor repair and replacement. Also get more information on how to make your Home Eco-Friendly.

10 Essential Tools You Need for Roofing

10 Essential Tools You Need for Roofing

Have you ever wondered about the kinds of tools that are needed for the process of installing composite or asphalt shingle roofing? Most people think that roof installation projects wouldn’t be made possible without the use of expensive power tools. However, the truth is, most of the essential items that are required for these projects are far from being expensive. In fact, you can even easily find them in your home toolbox or at the nearest lumberyard or hardware store ten tips to finding a roofing contractor. To give you an idea about the basic tools that are needed for tearing off old roofs or installing new ones, take a look at this list:

10 Must-Have Tools for Roof Repairs and Installations

Roofing Hatchet

Also known as a roofing hammer, this tool comes with a gauge that can be easily adjusted to execute shingle alignment at the proper exposure. You can find other more sophisticated versions of this tool that allow rapid one-hand driving due to their magnetic heads for handling nails.read more about type and shapes of Roofing Hatchet at https://www.iko.com/na/blog/introduction-to-roofing-hammers-and-hatchets/

Shingle Ripper

Tearing off your old roof is made easy with the help of a trusty shingle ripper which is also referred to as a roofing shovel. True to its name, it can effectively pry up the old and ugly-looking shingles by tearing out the rusty nails that were securely holding these shingles in place.

Pry Bar

If you want to pull your old roof nails or quickly demolish certain portions of your old roof in an efficient manner, you’ll need to have a flat pry bar in your arsenal of tools for roof repairs and installations.

10 Essential Tools You Need for Roofing

Framing Square

It would be virtually impossible to keep your shingle cuts precise and your roof improvements aligned without the use of a right-angle measuring instrument called a framing square.

Caulking Gun

If your roof needs repairs that require the use of a sealant or cement, a caulking gun is a definite must-have. Rather than working on the project with a tube of squeezed caulk that can get messy, it’s best to use a caulking gun that can help you control the amount of cement you need to dispense.

Chalk Line

In case you’re wondering, this tool happens to be a heavy string that’s wound inside a container of powdered chalk. This tool is extremely helpful when it comes to marking the property with long and straight lines every time you need to cut or align the shingles.

Tin Snips

If you need to cut your roof’s flashing or other kinds of thin metal materials that can be found on your roof, having tin snips in your toolbox is a must. This tool can also manage to cut through roof gutters as well as drip edges. You won’t have to worry about being left-handed because this tool can come in both right- and left-hand orientations.

Hammer Tacker

This hammer-like staple gun is ideal for installing building paper on your new roofing system. Compared to the standard staple gun, a hammer tacker is able to seamlessly drive staples just by slapping its tool head onto any specific material within a short amount of time.

Power Nailer

It will be easier for you to drive nails in very tight spaces if you have a power nailer. This tool makes shingle installation a breeze. Unlike a pneumatic nailer that comes with a hose as well as an air compressor, this cordless nail gun offers more convenience because it doesn’t burden you with a compressor.

Saws

Several saws are needed to cut materials that include OSB sheathing or plywood. Furthermore, saws are also useful for cutting in tight spaces, as well as rough demolition.

5 Landscaping Tips That Will Boost Your Yard’s Aesthetic

5 Landscaping Tips That Will Boost Your Yard’s Aesthetic

Homeowners don’t just dream of having a perfectly manicured yard to impress the neighbors, they also want one because a well-maintained outdoor space adds value to their property. In fact, a beautiful yard can lead to a 5% to 11% increase in terms of value, depending on the conditions, read click here to know more about real estate. Although other people might find landscaping to be one of the most tedious jobs in home improvement, the process can become easier if they equip themselves with the right information about various landscaping techniques.

Since your lawn is going to be the first thing your guests see when they visit your home, it pays to create one that screams perfection. If you think that turning the yard of your dreams into reality will break the bank, think again. With these excellent landscaping tips, it will only be a matter of time before you walk into your very own dream yard.

Match the Design with Your Home’s Overall Look

Nothing is going to destroy your property’s appeal than a mismatched landscape and home style. For instance, if your home looks more Victorian, then a Japanese-style garden may not be the best fit for it. The ideal landscape design for a Victorian home is a rustic, old-cottage style.

Moreover, if you have a prairie or industrial-looking home, then you might want to stay away from formal-looking gardens. Instead, lean more towards greeneries and natural-looking flower beds strategically placed in your yard.

Match the Plants with the Climate

The location of your property is also an important factor in the planning process. The climate may change now and then which can affect the growth of some of the plants in your yard. You should also have to consider the fact that some of your plants may need less sunlight than the others. Be sure to choose the types of plants that are easier for you to manage.

5 Landscaping Tips That Will Boost Your Yard’s Aesthetic

Avoid a Monotonous Yard at All Cost

Your primary purpose in designing a lawn is to make a statement to the passersby. If you have a monotonous lawn, your effort will all be for nothing. For this reason, it’s important to break up a monotonous lawn either by placing a big, stylish rock in the middle or creating little island garden in the center of your yard.

Edge Your Lawn

No matter how perfectly landscaped your lawn is, without edging, it will just be drab. Edging can give your lawn a manicured look. If you don’t have much time to spare for edging, you can use a power edger and save a significant amount of time.

If you’re up to it, you can make a natural edge instead of using plastic or metal edges for your landscaping project. Natural edges entail less maintenance and provide flexibility should you decide to change your landscape in the future.

Maintenance is Important

Of course, if you want to maintain the beauty of your landscape, you have to be able to maintain it. Lawn care is important in landscaping. This means that you should be able to maintain the proper height of your grass, trim your trees, and pluck out unwanted weeds.

Nowadays, there is a lot of electronic lawn maintenance equipment you can buy. A Roomba-style lawnmower is automated grass cutting equipment that uses sensors to guide them throughout the yard. This lessens the need for owners to personally tend to their yard and instead, use their time for other more important tasks.

Socorro

Socorro

Socorro, located on the Southern Pacific Railroad and State Highway 20 about ten miles southeast of downtown El Paso, began in 1680, when Governor Antonio de Otermín and Father Francisco de Ayeta led Spanish and Piro Indian refugees fleeing the New Mexican Pueblo Indian Revolt to the El Paso area. In 1682 the Spanish established Nuestra Señora de la Limpia Concepción del Socorro Mission. 

The first permanent mission, built in 1691, was swept away by flood in 1744, and a second church was built. It was washed away in 1829, when the Rio Grande cut a new channel south of the old one, thus placing Socorro, Ysleta, and San Elizario on La Isla. The main part of the present Socorro mission was completed in 1843. By that time the town of Socorro had developed around the mission and had a population of 1,100. The town was a part of Mexico from 1821 to 1848, when it became a part of the Texas. 

For the rest of the nineteenth century Socorro remained a small farming community. Locally constructed acequias supplied water for agricultural crops, which included vineyards, fruit trees, and cereal grains. The town, together with other Rio Grande communities, played an active role in county politics until 1881, when the railroads arrived and shifted the political power structure to El Paso.

Socorro

The construction of Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande in 1916 resulted in an agricultural revolution that transformed a family-based system into one featuring large-scale cotton production on plantation-sized estates. Small farms, manual labor, and vineyard culture gave way to large landholdings where farm machinery was used in the cultivation of cotton and alfalfa. 

By 1920 cotton was beginning to rival copper as the Socorro area’s principal industry. The population of the community was 2,123 in the mid-1930s, but fell to 350 by 1941 and remained static for several decades thereafter. During the 1960s and 1970s the number of residents increased at a rapid rate. Developers built residential subdivisions-colonias in effect-that lacked paved streets, water, and sewer lines. Colonia residents put tremendous pressure on existing wells, as the town’s population grew from 10,000 in the middle 1970s to 18,000 in the late 1980s and 22,995 in 1990. Only recently has the Lower Valley Water District Authority received the necessary assistance to begin construction of new water and sewage systems for the area. 

Socorro has disincorporated and reincorporated several times. In 1985 the town blocked El Paso’s plan to annex the town and voted by a margin of 263 votes to remain a separate corporation. Since then, Socorro has adopted ordinances and codes to halt uncontrolled growth and has instituted a historic landmark commission to encourage historic preservation. for more real estate business please check https://www.trulia.com/

El Paso CITY TOUR

El Paso CITY TOUR

Spanish Lay Claim Over a Vast Land

Inhabited for centuries by various Indian groups, El Paso saw its first Europeans when Spaniards passed through in the mid-1500s. During 1540 to 1542, an expedition under Francisco Vázquez de Coronado explored the area now known as the American Southwest. These earliest Spanish explorers saw on their approach from the Rio Grande two mountain ranges rising from the desert, with a deep chasm between. They named the site “El Paso del Norte, ” or “the Pass of the North.” The Rodríguez-Sánchez expedition in 1581 was the first party of Spaniards to explore the Pass of the North, bringing about the beginning of El Paso’s modern history. Further expeditions followed, culminating in an April 30, 1598 ceremony near the site of present-day San Elizario in which expedition leader Juan de Oñate took formal possession of the territory drained by the Rio del Norte (now the Rio Grande). Called “La Toma,” (the claiming) this act brought Spanish civilization to the Pass of the North, laying the foundation for more than two centuries of Spanish rule.

Population of the area grew when the Pueblo Indian Revolt of 1680 sent Spanish colonists and Tigua Indians of New Mexico southward in search of safety. By 1682, five settlements were thriving on the south bank of the Rio Grande. By the middle of the eighteenth century, approximately 5,000 people populated the El Paso area; among them were Spaniards, mestizos, and Indians. The region became known for its vineyards, with residents producing wine and brandy. In 1789, the presidio of San Elizario was founded to defend the El Paso settlements against encroaching Apaches.Spanish Rule Ends, Tensions Begin

El Paso CITY TOUR

With Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, the entire El Paso area became part of Mexico. Agriculture and commerce flourished, but the unpredictable levels of the Rio Grande made for difficulties with crops, fields, and structures frequently damaged by the rising water levels. In the 1830s, the river flooded much of the lower Rio Grande valley, creating a new channel and displacing several towns.

May 1846 saw more difficulties as hostilities erupted between the United States and Mexico. During the Mexican War, Col. Alexander Doniphan and a force of American volunteers defeated Mexican fighters at the battle of Brazito, entering El Paso del Norte. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848, ended the dispute and again changed the boundary between the two nations, bringing El Paso territory under the blanket of the United States.

El Paso’s settlements grew in 1849 as easterners rushed west in search of gold. Lines between Mexico and the United States were revised yet again; this time the three Mexican towns of Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario ended up on the United States side of the line. The military post of Fort Bliss was established in 1858; one year later pioneer Anson Mills completed his plat of the town of El Paso. The name “El Paso” brought about confusion with the Mexican town across the Rio Grande, El Paso del Norte, so the Mexican town’s name was changed to Ciudad Juárez in 1888.

During the Civil War, El Paso’s alliance was to the South, though the Union presided and local Southern sympathizers eventually received pardons. In 1877, Texans and Mexicans became embroiled in a bitter civil war, the Salt War of San Elizario, which lasted six months.A Modern City Emerges

A rail system was established through the area in 1881–82, which transformed the village into a lively frontier community with a growing population. El Paso’s early years are tinted by a colorful reputation from its many saloons, brothels, and high crime. By 1890 citizens were demanding reform, and by 1905 El Paso ordinances banned gambling and prostitution. At the turn of the century El Paso’s frontier image was fading and its fresh start as a modern city began. The population grew from 15,906 in 1900 to 77,560 in just 25 years. Refugees of the Mexican Revolution contributed to the city’s growth, as did burgeoning commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation business, along with El Paso’s strategic location as a gateway to Mexico. Prohibition boosted the city’s tourism as neighboring residents flocked to El Paso to cross the border for drinking and gambling in Juárez.

In 1930 census reports showed 102,421 residents in El Paso, though the city’s growth began to slow soon after with the census reporting only 96,810 residents in 1940. After the war, development brought new residents and the 1950 census once again showed growth, with 130,003 people living in El Paso. Fort Bliss grew as well in the 1940s and 1950s. The 1960 census saw a doubling of residents; steady growth continued and by 1970 the population was 339,615. El Paso’s population grew again when the city absorbed the Mexican town of Isleta, stretching the reaches of the metropolitan area even further. By the mid-1980s, Fort Bliss’ military personnel and family members made up nearly a quarter of the city’s population. Petroleum, textiles, tourism, metals, cement, and food processing became major industries by the 1980s.

Since 1990 El Paso’s economy has suffered from competition with low labor rates from abroad and the closure of its main copper smelter. As well, El Paso has the unpleasant distinction of being one of the main entry points for drug smuggling into the United States, an attribute that has plagued the area for decades. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) passage helped local service and transportation firms to expand their businesses, but hurt the city’s industrial industry. Since El Paso is sensitive to changes in Mexico’s economy, the devaluation of the Mexican peso in the 1990s and the border traffic controls instituted after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks both affected El Paso’s economy. Still, the area is recovering from these incidences, and the El Paso of today consists of a rich mix of culture with a strong military presence and the excitement of a border town. The El Paso-Juárez international metropolitan area is the largest bi-national community on an international border in the world.