Old El Paso: Founded in Texas, Not New Mexico

Old El Paso was founded in Texas. The brand name references El Paso, Texas—not New Mexico.

Historical Foundation

• 1598: Juan de Oñate establishes El Paso del Norte (The Pass of the North) on the Rio Grande's south bank—modern Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
• 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moves border to Rio Grande; north bank becomes El Paso, Texas
• 1850s: U.S. Army post (Fort Bliss) secures the route
• 1873: El Paso, Texas incorporated

The Brand

• 1917: Mountain Pass Canning Co. (Texas) registers "Old El Paso" trademark for canned chili
• 1938: Pet Milk acquires; national distribution begins
• 1969: General Foods acquires; launches taco shells, seasoning kits
• Today: Owned by General Mills; manufactured in Texas, Mexico, elsewhere

Why the Confusion?

• El Paso, TX borders Las Cruces, NM (45 mi north)
• Metro area spans state line
• "Old El Paso" evokes borderlands mystique—marketing, not geography

The city is Texan. The brand is Texan. The flavor is Tex-Mex. New Mexico has its own glorious chile tradition (Hatch, Chimayó)—distinct and delicious.