San Elizario: See It! Feel It! Believe It!

San Elizario, one of the newest cities in Texas, dates back to April of 1598, when colonizer Don Juan de Oñate first came to the area, taking possession of the lands that the Rio Grande drained into for the King of Spain. That beginning was the birth of the American Southwest. Located about fifteen miles southeast of downtown El Paso, historic San Elizario is immersed in over 400 years of history and sits on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. The trail served as the supply route from Mexico City to the northern areas of New Mexico for over 300 years. The National Register Historic District and State Cultural District is steeped in history — some accounts even credit the area with hosting one of the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, in 1598, predating the Plymouth feast by more than two decades.

Walking Through History

The self-guided walking tour covers 18 historic sites across a compact, easily walkable stretch of just a few blocks. You will visit the majestic San Elizario Presidio Chapel, the last of several chapels rebuilt on the site that served the military fort occupied by Spanish, Mexican, Confederate and Union troops over the centuries. Visit the Old El Paso County Jail Museum, in the actual building that was the first jail in El Paso County. The original jail cells are part of the interpretive exhibit museum, the site where Billy the Kid broke out Melquiades Segura in 1876, saving him from the rope.

Museums and Memorials

The Los Portales Museum and Visitors Center, located in front of the Presidio Chapel, is not only the starting point for the walking tour, but the perfect start to your visit to the San Elizario Historic District. Its exhibits focus on the rich and colorful historical legacies of San Elizario, including the Salt War of 1877, and it's housed in a historic 1850s adobe building. The Eduardo Pedregon Memorial Veterans Museum on Main Street focuses on the patriotism of this small west Texas town. The museum is dedicated to the veterans of San Elizario. The San Elizario Veterans Memorial Walk in front of the building is dedicated to those who have served, or are currently serving, in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. This Memorial separates the warrior from the war, focuses on the valor and sacrifices of these patriots, and gives each of them a place in history.

Arts, Entertainment, and Local Flavor

Beyond its museums, San Elizario has grown into a small but lively arts and entertainment destination. Several galleries now call the district home, including Escamilla's Fine Art Gallery, the Golden Eagle Gallery, and Romy Hawkins Studio Gallery. The Main Street Stage, San Elizario's newest entertainment venue, hosts concerts, plays, open mic nights, and a Free Concert Series on Fridays, Saturdays, and the third Sunday of the month from March through November. History buffs with an appetite can also catch a show at the Adobe Horseshoe Dinner Theatre, or stop by the well-known Licon Dairy nearby.

Planning Your Visit

The Museums are all operated by the San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society. The Society also supports the Cultural Activities in the district and offers free guided tours of the district. Private and custom tours are also available. Admission is free at all museums and most events.