On the following pages are recorded the most important happenings in the history of El Paso, Illinois and the surrounding area. This is a record of a town platted by two young men, James H. Wathen and George L. Gibson on April 20, 1854.

The El Paso Story is dedicated to those who first settled the region and to the people who built our city during the past one hundred years, which now numbers about 2,000. This city today has nine churches, three schools, ninety-two businesses, three city parks, a fine public library, a municipal water plant with softener and fifteen miles of all weather streets.

This story begins with two men who had foresight; it is a story of how unsettled prairie in the last century was developed into one of the most prosperous farming areas in the nation. This is a history of a city which is known today as "The Capital City of the Corn Belt."

At present the assessed valuation of the real estate and personal property with the city is valued at four and one-half million dollars. This is $2,250 for every man, woman and child living in the city. In looking to the future, the greatest values may be placed on important things other than the wealth of the area.

The greatest asset of any community is best measured in such attributes as neighborliness, friendliness, and cooperation. We must always keep in mind that the things that are ours today is only by the Grace of God; that we are only stewards of our talents and our wealth.

Because of our location on the Illinois Central and the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroads, and National Highways 24 and 51, the possibilities for El Paso to grow and develop seem unlimited. The future will be determined by the foresight, initiative, industry and cooperation of the people.

El Paso, Illinois,

April 20, 1954 GEORGE W. GRAACK, Mayor.

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