SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 502
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
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 from the Texas Senate.
Blanco
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 2, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate