88R19020 BHH-D
By: González of El Paso H.R. No. 616
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, San Elizario has been named Best Historic Small Town
in the USA Today 2023 Readers' Choice Awards; and
WHEREAS, The community traces its roots to 1598, when Spanish
explorer Juan de Oñate reached the Rio Grande near the present-day
site of the city; the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro trade route
between Mexico City and Santa Fe passed through the area, and a
settlement named Hacienda de los Tiburcios was founded before 1760;
in 1789, a Spanish presidio was established, and the town that grew
up around it became known as San Elizario; formerly part of the
Mexican state of Chihuahua, the town became part of Texas following
the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848; and
WHEREAS, Today, San Elizario is a popular stop on the El Paso
Mission Trail and is home to such attractions as the San Elizario
Presidio Chapel, the Old El Paso County Jail Museum, and Los
Portales Casa Garcia museum; the widespread use of adobe
construction and the territorial and pueblo revival architecture
found throughout the town help to preserve its historical
aesthetic; in addition, San Elizario features a number of galleries
displaying the work of local artists, and the city holds special
events such as the Art Market and the Billy the Kid Festival that
feature gunfighting reenactments, live music, and other
entertainment; and
WHEREAS, With its rich history and characteristic charm, San
Elizario is a delight for residents and visitors alike, and the town
is indeed deserving of this notable accolade; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate San Elizario on being named Best
Historic Small Town in the USA Today 2023 Readers' Choice Awards and
commend all those who help to maintain the city's distinctive
appeal; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the City of San Elizario as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.