Following the Rodriguez-Chamuscado expedition of 1581 there was increased interest in the area now known as New Mexico and Texas. There was also concern for the safety of Fray Rodriguez and Fray Lopez, who had stayed in the area. In 1582 a . . . — — Map (db m118277) HM
Spanish interest in the territory known as New Mexico increased during the 1580s and 1590s. Although reports of mining and missionary possibilities were significant, King Phillip II of Spain was also concerned about New World explorations of rival . . . — — Map (db m118276) HM
Local farmer, rancher, and landowner Gregorio Nacenseno Garcia constructed this building as his family residence about 1855. Built in the territorial style, it features milled wood detailing. Because of its distinctive inset gallery (portals), it . . . — — Map (db m118271) HM
This structure was built about 1850 of adobe bricks (sundried mud and reeds) and cottonwood logs around steel cell blocks. It served as official county jail 1850-66 and 1868-73, when San Elizario was the first and then third El Paso County seat. It . . . — — Map (db m118272) HM
On January 3, 1850, El Paso County was created by the Texas Legislature. San Elizario, the most prosporus and largest town in the area became the first County Seat. The building before you was chosen to house the first Jail. The Commissioners Court . . . — — Map (db m195510) HM
Inspired by Indian stories of settlements in present New Mexico and authorized by the Spanish viceroy, Fray Agustin Rodriguez, a Franciscan priest, led a missionary expedition to the area. Accompanied by Fray Juan de Santa Maria, Fray Francisco . . . — — Map (db m118278) HM
Resentment over private control of the salt lakes in the region, often called Guadalupe Lakes, in 1877 led to the El Paso Salt War which entailed the loss of many lives and much property. — — Map (db m118294) HM
The Salt War rose from political conflicts in El Paso County and from the controversies over control of the salt lakes east of El Paso that for centuries had been a free source of salt for local residents. In 1877 Charles Howard, a former county . . . — — Map (db m118279) HM
San Elizario was established in 1789 on the former site of Hacienda de Los Tiburcios as a Spanish Colonial Fort known as the Presidio of San Elceario. The Presidio was moved from its former location (approx. 37 mi.S) in response to requests from . . . — — Map (db m118275) HM
Site of the Presidio de Nuestra Señora Del Pilár y Glorioso Señor San José established by Don Domingo Jironza Petríz de Cruzate in 1683 near Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in present Ciudad Juárez, México. Located on this site in 1773 and . . . — — Map (db m118293) HM
Named for the 13th-century French patron of the military, St. Elzear, Capilla de San Elzeario was established as part of the Spanish military garrison of Presidio de San Elzeario (also Elceario, later Elizario) when it . . . — — Map (db m118284) HM
Dedicated in Memory of the
Founding Families and War
Veterans of San Elizario
Dedicated on
November 11, 1998
County Judge
Charles W. "Chuck" Mattox
County Commissioners
Comm. Pct 1 Charles C. Hooten • Comm. Pct. 2 Carlos . . . — — Map (db m118281) WM
For more than 200 years the Camino Real, or Royal Road, was the major route for transporting commercial goods from Mexico City and Chihuahua to Santa Fe and Taos. First traveled by Juan de Oñate during his 1598 expedition to New Mexico, the Camino . . . — — Map (db m201921) HM
Late in November 1597 a colonizing expedition headed by Don Juan de Oñate left Santa Barbara in northern Chihuahua headed for what is now New Mexico. Four hundred men led the way, 130 of whom had wives and children. There were several priests, 83 . . . — — Map (db m118280) HM
