Ysleta Mission Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Ysleta Mission
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

East side of mission as of July 2009
Ysleta Mission Location in Texas Show map of Texas Ysleta Mission Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	131 South Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, Texas
Area	2 acres (0.81 ha)
Built	1682 (1682)
Architectural style	Classical Revival, Late Victorian
NRHP reference No.	72001360
Added to NRHP	July 31, 1972

The Ysleta Mission is a very old church located in El Paso, Texas. It is part of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo community. This mission is known as the oldest church that has been open and used continuously in Texas. The Ysleta community itself is also the oldest in Texas. People there say they have the oldest farm land in the United States that has been used without stopping.

A Look Back: Early History of the Mission
- How the Mission Started
- Changes Over Time
The Mission Today
Important Dates: Mission Timeline
Photo gallery
Images for kids
See also

A Look Back: Early History of the Mission

How the Mission Started

In 1680, a big event called the Pueblo Revolt happened. Because of this, the Tigua tribe had to leave their home in New Mexico. Some of them went to Arizona, while others followed Spanish settlers south.

The Spanish and Tigua people eventually settled in a place called El Paso del Norte. This is where El Paso, Texas, is today. They built the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo community and started the Ysleta Mission. The name Ysleta with a "Y" and del Sur (meaning "south") helped tell it apart from their old home.

In 1682, the Tigua people built a strong church using adobe, which is a type of sun-dried brick. In October of that year, the church was officially opened. It was named La Misión de Corpus Christi de San Antonio de la Ysleta del Sur. This honored Saint Anthony, who was the Tigua's special saint.

Changes Over Time

Over the next 200 years, the mission had to move several times. This was because the Rio Grande river would flood. In 1829, a big flood washed away the church building. The river also changed its path. This meant the area where the church stood was no longer part of Mexico, but became part of the Republic of Texas.

In 1897, the church was updated. It got its famous gables and a unique bee-hive shaped bell tower. But in 1907, a fire badly damaged the building. The fire started because of chemicals stored in the bell tower to keep bats away. The church was rebuilt in 1908 and looks much the same today.

The church grew and even opened a school called Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in 1918. It stayed open until 2005. The Texas Historical Commission has placed several markers at the Ysleta Mission. These markers celebrate it as the first and oldest mission in Texas. In 1972, the Ysleta Mission was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.

The Mission Today

Restoring History

In 1990, people in the community started working to fix up and protect the Ysleta Mission. They also worked on the Socorro Mission and a chapel in San Elizario, Texas. The city and county governments of El Paso created an office to help with heritage tourism. They got help from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This new office brought together different groups who wanted to restore the missions. Two architects from Mexico, who knew a lot about fixing adobe buildings, helped create a plan. This plan guided a big fundraising effort to pay for the repairs.

These two missions and the chapel are now part of The El Paso Mission Trail. This trail is about 9 miles long and follows Socorro Road. It is also part of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, an old royal road.

The Tigua People and the Mission

The Tigua people are still very connected to the Ysleta Mission. They are very loyal to their patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua. Every year on June 13, they celebrate Saint Anthony's feast day. They have a morning mass and then perform traditional dances.

Close to the church, the Tiguas built a large gaming center called Speaking Rock Casino. However, the state government of Texas said it was not legal, and it was closed. It later reopened, but it no longer offers casino games. The Tigua Tribal Government offices and the Tigua Cultural Center are also near the church.

Who Runs the Mission Now?

The Catholic Diocese of El Paso owns the church today. Conventual Franciscans are the priests who work there. For almost 100 years, the church has hosted the Ysleta Mission Festival. This three-day event happens on the second weekend of July. It is one of the biggest events in El Paso. The money raised helps pay for keeping the Ysleta Mission in good shape.

In the 1960s, a newer church building was built next to the old one. This was to make room for more people. The old church is now mostly used for special events. These include weddings, quinceañeras (a special 15th birthday celebration), and baptisms.

Important Dates: Mission Timeline

1680 – Spanish settlers and Tigua (Tiwa) Indians leave New Mexico because of the Pueblo Revolt. They travel south to El Paso del Norte. The Ysleta Mission is started for these people.
1682 – A permanent building for the Ysleta Mission is finished. It is officially named La Misión de Corpus Christi de San Antonio de la Ysleta del Sur.
1691 – The first official land grant for the church is given.
1693 – The church's name is changed to Corpus Christi de los Tiguas de Ysleta.
1740s, 1829 – Floods from the Rio Grande river damage or destroy the mission.
1874 – The first official property deed for the church is given. The church's name is changed to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
1907 – A fire causes a lot of damage to the church. It is rebuilt the next year.
1919–1921 – The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary start and staff Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
1922–1980s – The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word from New Orleans staff the school.
1992–present – Conventual Franciscans from Indiana manage Our Lady of Mount Carmel.