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Fort Bliss, TX

Frequently asked questions

Fort Bliss, TX

Fort Bliss is a United States Army post in New Mexico and Texas, with its headquarters in El Paso, Texas. Named in honor of LTC William Bliss (1815–1853), a mathematics professor who was the son-in-law of President Zachary Taylor, Ft. Bliss has an area of about 1,700 square miles (4,400 km2); it is the largest installation in FORSCOM (United States Army Forces Command) and second-largest in the Army overall (the largest being the adjacent White Sands Missile Range). 

The portion of the post located in El Paso County, Texas, is a census-designated place with a population of 8,591 as of the time of the 2010 census. Fort Bliss provides the largest contiguous tract (1,500 sq mi or 3,900 km2) of restricted airspace in the Continental United States, used for missile and artillery training and testing, and at 992,000 acres boasts the largest maneuver area (ahead of the National Training Center, which has 642,000 acres). The garrison's land area accounts for 1.12 million acres, ranging to the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Fort Bliss also includes the Castner Range National Monument.

The Fort Bliss census-designated place is located at 31°48′07″N 106°25′29″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the census-designated place has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16.0 km2), all of it land. In terms of its United States physiographic region, it is a southern part of the Basin and Range Province.

In 1846, Colonel Alexander Doniphan led the 1st Regiment of Missouri mounted volunteers through El Paso del Norte, with victories at the Battle of El Brazito and the Battle of the Sacramento. Then on 7 November 1848, War Department General Order no. 58 ordered the establishment of a post across from El Paso del Norte (now Ciudad Juárez). On 8 September 1849, the garrison party of several companies of the 3rd U.S. Infantry ('The Old Guard', currently the oldest active duty regiment in the US Army), commanded by Major Jefferson Van Horne, found only four small and scattered settlements on the north side of the Rio Grande. 

Fort Bliss boasts a robust health and wellness scene, with numerous facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The University Medical Center of El Paso is a key healthcare institution, that provides a range of medical services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Fort Bliss Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Sports & Fitness, Iron Works, and Milam Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Fort Bliss, such as Biggs Park and McKelligon Canyon Road. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Fort Bliss, TX are Ft Bliss Bowling Center, Lost Kingdom Water Park, and El Paso Municipal Rose Garden.

Population: 12,646 (2025). ZIP code: 79936. Area code: 915. Elevation: 3,800 feet (1,158 meters). Area: 1,700 square miles (4,400 km2).

FAQs

What is Fort Bliss, TX famous for?

The Main Cantonment Area of Fort Bliss is located adjacent to El Paso, Texas. Fort Bliss trained thousands of U.S. Soldiers during the Cold War. As the United States gradually came to master the art of building and operating missiles, Fort Bliss became more and more important to the country and expanded accordingly.

Why is it called Fort Bliss, TX?

On January 11, 1854, the Fort of El Paso was established under the orders of Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. A few months later, on March 8, 1854, the base was renamed “Fort Bliss”. This name serves to honor LTC William Bliss, the son-in-law of President Zachary Taylor.

What is the crime rate in Fort Bliss, TX?

Fort Bliss has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Fort Bliss is 1 in 111. Fort Bliss's crime rate is lower than approximately 60% of Texas communities.

Sources

Wikipedia 

El Paso County

University Medical Center of El Paso

Fort Bliss Parks and Recreation Department

Sports & Fitness

Iron Works 

Milam Fitness Center

Biggs Park

McKelligon Canyon Road

Ft Bliss Bowling Center

Lost Kingdom Water Park

El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

Military

Militarytrialdefenders

Niche

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