Located about 17 miles southeast of El Paso on a stretch of El Camino Real known locally as the Mission Trail, San Elizario marks the start of the northbound trail in the U.S. as it moves across the Rio Grande out of Mexico, through the lower El Paso Valley, and into New Mexico. In 1788, the site was the chosen spot to locate a strategic military stronghold on New Spain’s western frontier. Soldiers from San Elzeario, a decommissioned Spanish fort in Guajoquilla, Mexico (present-day Chihuahua), occupied the new presidio to defend area residents and El Camino Real caravans from Apaches. Like the fort it replaced, the new presidio was named in honor of San Elzear, the French patron saint of soldiers. Today, the presidio chapel continues to anchor San Elizario as an active parish. Four vertical bells and four horizontal buttresses bring an imposing symmetry to the relatively small building, which is set in a frame of low masonry walls and a dramatic sweep of front steps. The stark white building paints a picture of purity and stability in an ever-changing world. Despite centuries of change, El Camino Real, today’s Glorieta Road, still leads residents and visitors to and from the chapel at the old presidio. To celebrate the beautiful structure and the spirit of reverence it embodies, the artists of Anderson Design Group have created this authentic commemorative design to celebrate the rich history of El Paso. Now available as a poster print, canvas, metal sign, mini-canvas, notecard, or postcard, this original vintage-style illustration will look great on any wall. The poster would also make the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates vintage poster art, travel art, retro art, and original illustrations. To learn more about the travel destinations in El Paso, check out the website for Visit El Paso.