local
15 remarkable American places that are older than the United States
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 27, 2026
· 9 min read
By Joe Yogerst, CNN
(CNN) — It may seem like an awful long time since the Founding Fathers took steps toward creating the United States by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. And 250 years of nationhood is definitely something to celebrate.
Yet the history ...
Key takeaway Dating back some 67 million years, Sue is now a permanent resident of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The recent spotlight on America's ancient history is a reminder that El Paso 's own rich cultural heritage predates the founding of the United States. While the CNN report highlights remarkable places like Effigy Mounds and Hopewell Earthworks, our own city's history is deeply rooted in the pre-Columbian era. The fossilized footprints found in White Sands National Park, just a short distance from El Paso, demonstrate that human presence in the region dates back thousands of years. As our community continues to grow and evolve, it's essential to acknowledge and appreciate the significance of these ancient sites, which provide a unique window into the lives of Native American cultures that once thrived here. By exploring and learning from these historical treasures, El Pasoans can gain a deeper understanding of their city's place within the broader narrative of American history.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 9 min
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What is this story about? By Joe Yogerst, CNN
(CNN) — It may seem like an awful long time since the Founding Fathers took steps toward creating the United States by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. And 250 years of nationhood is definitely something to celebrate.
Yet the history ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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