As many young men of his day, Marcos B. Armijo was called upon to defend freedom during the first World War.
Marcos B. Armijo, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, was born in Rincon, New Mexico, Jan 10, 1893, to Cesario and Avela B Armijo. The family lived in Socorro, New Mexico from 1900 – 1910, according to U. S. Census records.
In 1917, Armijo is found in the El Paso City Directory living at 1113 E 2nd Street in the “Segundo Barrio” region of south central El Paso. On June 3, of this year he registered for World War I. He later joined the Army.
In 1918, during World War I, Armijo was on-board the Tuscania when it was hit by a torpedo. The damaged ship completed its journey to Ireland. Later that year, on August 3, Armijo was critically injured during an offensive in Fishnes, France and lost both of his legs. Two days later he died in an Army hospital in France.
Armijo was one of the survivors. In August 1918, he distinguished himself in action against the enemy at Fismes, France. His extraordinary heroism was recognized when he was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross by General John J. Pershing. Four days later, he was mortally wounded in combat. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. In 1968, the Marcos B. Armijo Branch was opened bearing his honorable name.
In December of 1937, Hidalgo Park in south central El Paso, was renamed Armijo Park. A new recreation center that was built in 1968 next to the park, was also named after Armijo.
Sources – 1900 U.S. Census, Socorro City, Socorro, New Mexico
– 1910 U.S. Census, Socorro City, Socorro, New Mexico
– 1917 El Paso City Directory
– WWI Registration Card for Marcos B Armijo
History
The Armijo Branch Library, located at 620 E. Seventh Ave in South El Paso’s Segundo Barrio, serves an area of low-income housing and Spanish speaking patrons. The library was opened on November 11, 1968, and was the first library in El Paso to be housed in a Recreation Community Center. After realizing there was a need for the library to have its own location, a new branch was constructed and opened on October 25, 1992.
Special Exhibits
One of the most beautiful pieces of art in the city is inside the Armijo Branch library in Segundo barrio. Created by muralist Carlos Callejo, the mural entitled “Discover the Secrets of the Universe through Your Library” the mural depicts the richness of the culture found in its surrounding community.
Friends of the Library
The bookstore, operated by the Friends of the Westside Libraries, is located just down the street from the Westside Post Office at 7348 Remcon Circle.
They support the Armijo Branch, Westside Branch, Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch and the Jenna Welch and Laura Bush Community Libraries.
A membership costs $5.00 annually and members receive 10% off all purchases at the Bookmark. They are also invited to “members only” sales twice a year. Forms may be filled out (name, address, telephone number) at The Bookmark for membership or a check can be mailed directly to the store at: The Bookmark, 7348 Remcon Circle, El Paso, TX 79912
Donations of books and magazines are gratefully accepted during store hours at The Bookmark. Patrons may also leave donations at the Westside or Doris Van Doren Library or contact The Bookmark at 833-2342 for assistance.
Computers
Computers are available for public use. All minors must have Internet permission. All computer users must present a library card and a pin in order to reserve a computer. Guest passes are also available to those who do not have a library card. The computer lab closes 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Marcos B. Armijo, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, was born in Rincon, New Mexico, Jan 10, 1893, to Cesario and Avela B Armijo. The family lived in Socorro, New Mexico from 1900 – 1910, according to U. S. Census records.
In 1917, Armijo is found in the El Paso City Directory living at 1113 E 2nd Street in the “Segundo Barrio” region of south central El Paso. On June 3, of this year he registered for World War I. He later joined the Army.
In 1918, during World War I, Armijo was on-board the Tuscania when it was hit by a torpedo. The damaged ship completed its journey to Ireland. Later that year, on August 3, Armijo was critically injured during an offensive in Fishnes, France and lost both of his legs. Two days later he died in an Army hospital in France.
Armijo was one of the survivors. In August 1918, he distinguished himself in action against the enemy at Fismes, France. His extraordinary heroism was recognized when he was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross by General John J. Pershing. Four days later, he was mortally wounded in combat. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. In 1968, the Marcos B. Armijo Branch was opened bearing his honorable name.
In December of 1937, Hidalgo Park in south central El Paso, was renamed Armijo Park. A new recreation center that was built in 1968 next to the park, was also named after Armijo.
Sources – 1900 U.S. Census, Socorro City, Socorro, New Mexico
– 1910 U.S. Census, Socorro City, Socorro, New Mexico
– 1917 El Paso City Directory
– WWI Registration Card for Marcos B Armijo
History
The Armijo Branch Library, located at 620 E. Seventh Ave in South El Paso’s Segundo Barrio, serves an area of low-income housing and Spanish speaking patrons. The library was opened on November 11, 1968, and was the first library in El Paso to be housed in a Recreation Community Center. After realizing there was a need for the library to have its own location, a new branch was constructed and opened on October 25, 1992.
Special Exhibits
One of the most beautiful pieces of art in the city is inside the Armijo Branch library in Segundo barrio. Created by muralist Carlos Callejo, the mural entitled “Discover the Secrets of the Universe through Your Library” the mural depicts the richness of the culture found in its surrounding community.
Friends of the Library
The bookstore, operated by the Friends of the Westside Libraries, is located just down the street from the Westside Post Office at 7348 Remcon Circle.
They support the Armijo Branch, Westside Branch, Dorris Van Doren Regional Branch and the Jenna Welch and Laura Bush Community Libraries.
A membership costs $5.00 annually and members receive 10% off all purchases at the Bookmark. They are also invited to “members only” sales twice a year. Forms may be filled out (name, address, telephone number) at The Bookmark for membership or a check can be mailed directly to the store at: The Bookmark, 7348 Remcon Circle, El Paso, TX 79912
Donations of books and magazines are gratefully accepted during store hours at The Bookmark. Patrons may also leave donations at the Westside or Doris Van Doren Library or contact The Bookmark at 833-2342 for assistance.
Computers
Computers are available for public use. All minors must have Internet permission. All computer users must present a library card and a pin in order to reserve a computer. Guest passes are also available to those who do not have a library card. The computer lab closes 15 minutes prior to closing time.
