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Across the Rio Grande from Piedras Negras, Eagle Pass grew from a Texas Army post into a busy border city where Spanish is heard as often as English. It began in 1849 as Fort Duncan was built on the river bluff, and the town took its name from a pass where eagles nested in the hills nearby.
Trade over the river has defined the city ever since. Road and rail bridges now link the two cities, and trucks, trains and pedestrians cross between them every day. Downtown keeps a sandstone courthouse from the 1880s, the restored Aztec Theatre and old Main Street storefronts, while the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates a casino resort south of town.
Visitors come for the borderland culture, Tex-Mex food and the history of the frontier fort, often using Eagle Pass as a stop between San Antonio and the deserts of West Texas. Summers are very hot, so plan outdoor walks for early morning.
Fort Duncan was founded in 1849 to guard the border and later served in the Civil War era and through World War I. Several original stone buildings survive in Fort Duncan Park, and the museum in the old headquarters displays military artifacts and local history. Call ahead, as opening hours are limited.
Built in the 1880s, this sandstone courthouse is one of the oldest public buildings in Eagle Pass and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored in recent decades, it still serves county functions and community events. Admire the stonework and arched windows on a walk through downtown.
Bridge I links downtown Eagle Pass with Piedras Negras, Coahuila, and carries cars and pedestrians across the Rio Grande. Walking across is possible with a passport, and the riverside views show both cities. Expect border inspection lines on the return and check current crossing rules before you go.
A historic movie palace on Main Street with a decorative facade and marquee, restored and reopened as a venue for concerts, films and community events. It is one of the most photographed buildings downtown. Check the theater's calendar for shows, or simply admire the lit marquee on an evening walk.
Owned by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, this resort south of town has a large gaming floor, a hotel, restaurants and a concert venue. It is the city's biggest entertainment draw and hosts touring acts and holiday events. Guests must be at least 21 to play, and dining is open to all visitors.
The historic blocks along Main Street and Garrison Street mix early twentieth-century storefronts, discount shops, panaderias and taquerias serving both sides of the border. Look for murals and older brick facades. Lunch at a family-run Tex-Mex spot is the best way to experience the city's bilingual culture.
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