El Paso, Texas: Earliest Missions in Texas

We wanted to take a busman's holiday to El Paso, Texas.  Our first stop was to Chamizal National Memorial, overlooking the Bridge of the Americas Border crossing into Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  The monument was established commemorating the amicable agreement regarding the disputed boundary between The United States and Mexico, due to the constant meandering of the Rio Grande River.  A decision to build a canal channeling the river brought about this reconciliation in 1963.  Today the Monument has a 500 indoor auditorium where movies, plays, dances and other events are held reflecting both countries and others of the Western Hemisphere.  The Monument also has numerous galleries depicting artwork of professionals and of local school children.  During the summer concerts occur in the outdoor amphitheater.  The grounds themselves are frequented by families from the area and are quite popular, because alcoholic beverages are permitted.

El Paso is also known for its early missions.  The oldest one is located in the oldest European City in Texas, Ysleta (now part of El Paso). Nuestra Senora del Carmen, later renamed Corpus Christi de la Ysleta was established in 1681 for The Tigua Nation.  Today the parish still thrives on the Tigua Reservation.  While we were there a few parishioners were reciting the rosary.

Three miles down the road in Socorro, Texas, sits Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion del Socorro.  Established in 1682, the mission was moved to its present location, because of a threatened revolt among the Natives.  When we were there two busloads of Socorro High School students were listening to a gentleman talking about the history of the mission and the parish.  We stayed and listened to the informative presentation.

Six miles further Southeast Lies San Elizario Presidio Chapel.  Established in 1777 to serve the Spanish garrison and governor, San Elizario became the showpiece of the area.   The church was closed unfortunately due to a rash of vandalism.  Across the courtyard in the portalis is a museum with many displays and a very friendly staff.  Some of the displays show the history of the areas including the Salt Wars, which was the cause for the founding of Fort Bliss.  A special room is dedicated to all of the men and women from San Elizario, who served in our military.

El Paso features many other attractions, including the museum at Fort Bliss, Magoffin Home State Historic Site, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park, the Zoo, and many other museums.  One word of caution, traffic is very congested and will become even more so because of the housing boom in the area.  If you are thinking about crossing into Juarez for a day trip, plan a two-hour border crossing each way.  You might become lucky.