Begun in Arizona in 1888, the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad completed its track to El Paso in 1902. The city became headquarters for the company's operations throughout the southwest and railroad shops were built here. In 1906 this seven-story office building was constructed for the railroad. The line was operating more than 1,200 miles of track when it was acquired by the Southern Pacific system in 1924. Owned by the Southern Pacific until 1969, this building reflects the importance of El Paso as a major rail center. (1981)