San Elizario (1985)

San Elizario was established in 1789 on the former site of Hacienda de Los Tiburcios as a Spanish colonial fort known as the Presidio de San Elceario. The Presidio was moved from its original location (approx. 37 mi. s) in response to requests from settlers for military protection from Indian raids. It operated as a Spanish post until 1814, when troops withdrew during the Mexican War for Independence (1810-1821). During its years as a part of Mexico, the Presidio de San Elceario (now San Elizario) was occupied periodically by Mexican troops. A reduced military presence resulted in the fort's decline. American control of the area began in 1848, with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which established the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico. When the county of El Paso was organized in 1850, the town of San Elizario was chosen first county seat and served as such until 1873. In 1877 it was the scene of a crisis known as the Salt War, in which local businessmen attempted to control the salt market that had operated since colonial times. Although San Elizario was bypassed by the railroad and has become a rural farming community, it remains an important element in the region's rich heritage. (1985)

San Elizario is a historical marker in San Elizario, El Paso County, dedicated in 1985. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in El Paso County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 140 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.5853, -106.2730 near San Elizario. The nearest cataloged historic site is Onate, Juan de, Expedition - 1598 (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Espejo - Beltran Expedition - 1582-1583, Rodriguez - Chamuscado Expedition - 1581, and Salt War.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5141004531. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.