Locomotive No. 1 is a rare example of a Pre-Civil War steam engine. This American Standard locomotive, type: 4-4-0, is the oldest of its kind in the West. In addition to it being one of the treasures of El Paso, it is also a "National Treasure".

The El Paso Historical Society and the Junior Chamber of Commerce raised money to build a protective shelter round Locomotive No. 1. The building was dedicated and turned over to UTEP in 1968.  In late 2000, funds and space became available to refurbish Locomotive No. 1 and have it displayed downtown. After removal of Locomotive No. 1, the protective structure was disassembled and the foundation used as a rock wall surrounding the current cactus garden.