Mike N.
Yelp
The Presidio Chapel of San Elizario is the outer most mission of the Mission Trail in El Paso. We started our pilgrimage of mission trail here.
In 1789 (almost 100 years after they established one in Ysleta and Socorro), the Spanish established a presidio, military garrison, named "San Elceario" after the French patron saint of the military, San Elcear. Built within that presidio was an officers quarters, barracks, a chapel and other buildings protected by thick adobe walls.
This presidio was established to defend the Spanish frontier against foreign powers and Indian raids as well as protect the supply lines of communication. The presidio's purpose evolved during the War of Independence as Spanish troops abandoned it and local settlers occupied the presidio.
In 1829, the flood destroyed the chapel and a new building was erected in the 1840's. This building eventually become too small therefore the present day church was built between 1877-1887 to accommodate the growing population.
In 1935, an electrical fire caused smoke damage to the church. The church was repainted and the distinctive press tin ceiling was added. After World World II, the community repainted the back wall of the chapel with a memorial in efforts to honor the town's veterans.
Surrounding San Elizario Historic District is designated as a State Cultural District through the Texas Commission on the Arts. There are 17 historical sites in this district alone, so besides this mission chapel there are many additional points of historical interest in this immediate area.
You will enjoy following this mission trail. I'd say it's a must visit for getting to know the history of El Paso.
