Presidio Chapel of San Elizario facts for kids
|
Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
|
|
The front of the chapel
|
|
 Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
Location in Texas
Presidio Chapel of San Elizario
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1556 San Elizario Street, San Elizario, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1877 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001358 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 14, 1972 |
The Presidio Chapel of San Elizario is a beautiful old church in San Elizario, Texas. Its Spanish name is La Capilla de San Elcear. It was built in 1877 right where an even older chapel used to be. You can find it in the main square of San Elizario, which is about 17.5 miles southeast of El Paso, Texas. This chapel is a great example of the Spanish Colonial style of building. In 1972, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which lists important historical sites.
History of the Chapel
The chapel was built to serve the religious needs of a presidio. A presidio was like a military fort or outpost. Soldiers lived there to protect people. This presidio moved to its current spot in 1790. Its main job was to keep travelers and settlers safe. They traveled along the Camino Real, which means "Royal Highway." This important road went from Mexico City all the way to Santa Fe. It passed through Paso del Norte. The presidio also helped protect nearby missions like Ysleta and Socorro.
Changes Over Time
When Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821, fewer soldiers were stationed at the presidio. In 1829, a big flood from the Rio Grande river destroyed the chapel. But people quickly built a new chapel to replace the lost one.
During the Mexican–American War, the United States took control of San Elizario. Soldiers from California were sent to the presidio. Their job was to make sure the area stayed under U.S. control. American troops continued to be stationed there after 1850. By the 1870s, the old chapel was not big enough anymore. So, the current building was finished in 1877. The tall bell-tower was added later. The outside of the chapel has not changed much since then. In 1935, a fire badly damaged the chapel. But it was rebuilt again, showing its importance to the community.
Chapel Architecture
The Presidio Chapel of San Elizario is a special example of adobe architecture in West Texas. Adobe is a building material made from earth and organic materials. The chapel's walls are made of adobe and then covered with plaster. They are painted white, giving the building a bright, clean look. The design of the chapel shows how European building styles influenced the traditional Spanish Colonial style.
See also
In Spanish: Presidio de San Elizario para niños
