Marker Inscription
The Salt War rose from political conflicts in El Paso County and from controversies over control of the salt lakes east of El Paso that for centuries had been a free source of salt for local residents. In 1877 Charles Howard, a former county judge who claimed ownership of the lakes, shot political adversary Luis Cardis over the issue of the salt beds. While under the protection of state troops in San Elizario, Howard and several of the troopers were killed by a riotous mob. Federal and state investigations of the Salt War led to the re-establishment of Ft. Bliss in 1878. (1984)
About this site
Salt War is a historical marker in San Elizario, El Paso County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in El Paso County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 140 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.5853, -106.2730 near San Elizario. The nearest cataloged historic site is Rodriguez - Chamuscado Expedition - 1581 (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Espejo - Beltran Expedition - 1582-1583, Onate, Juan de, Expedition - 1598, and San Elizario.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5141004502. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
