5 Art Galleries in San Elizario That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, United States

My most keen interest in San Elizario, [especially as it is the premier highlight of the domestic side of the “International Ft. Hancock - Las Cruces I-10 Bicycle Bypass”, best way to access our “Hidden Gem of the World, Crossroads of North America, anchored by El Paso, Cd. Juarez & Las Cruces!”] began several years ago when I was frozen out by a vicious Winter storm East of the Hueco Escarpment on US62-180 and forced to return to El Paso—with frozen water bottles! Back then, I resolved to never chance Winter biketouring that route again (until my “reTIRED Biketour!”, 23JAN-17FEB2018), instead focusing on pedaling both countries in the floodplain. Well before El Paso achieved it’s present status, San Elizario was the first county seat, with governmental functions and jail delivering justice along with orderly structure. What has given the jail so much attention is that it is the only lock-up that criminal “Billy the Kid” ever broke into (rescuing a friend). Also well preserved are the adjacent buildings, dating from the mid-19th century. Included is a Presidio (military chapel), Veterans’ Walk, gazebo, plaza, barracks, and a stop for the Butterfield Stagecoach When the county seat was removed to the growing city of El Paso, some 35miles/56kms West, the vibrant community of San Elizario diminished, with many historic buildings converting into art galleries/workshops. That downhill trend has since been reversed when it became incorporated as a city in 2010, and regularly has community activities that bolster the citizenry and visitors alike. This 5-star artists’ colony has my dynamic “Wheel of Approval,”