The Franklin Mountains

Cabeza de Vaca Peak, elevation 7,152, stands eight miles north of the scenic point, and these rugged limestone mountains, from which stone was hewn and spring water was drawn to build El Paso, were named for the early settler Franklin Coontz. Through the centuries, the southern point of the mountains has served as a beckoning guidepost to a friendly haven for natives, weary pioneers, and modern-day travelers. In 1928, the first lighted air beacon between the West Coast and the Mississippi was erected here. On the slope above, at Christmas time, a huge bright star shines upon the grateful peoples of El Paso and its sister city of Juarez.

El Paso, Texas · United States