Border Heritage Center: The Official Mission Valley Visitor Center

Ask them about the history of the building.

The El Paso Mission Trail Association seeks to promote the historic nine-mile corridor between Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario through education, preservation, and tourism efforts. As part of the larger El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, the Mission Trail serves as a gateway to one of the most historical areas in the binational region.

So much history. . . 😍

Founded in 1986, the El Paso Mission Trail Association is a non-profit organization that actively promotes cultural heritage, diversity, historical preservation, and economic development in the local community. Members of the El Paso Mission Trail Association are passionate about facilitating understanding of the living cultural legacies that play a vital role in our shared history.

The two mission churches of Ysleta and Socorro stand as the oldest working missions in the region. In addition, the chapel of San Elizario, also located along the mission trail is known as an enduring symbol of the more than 400 years of rich history in the area.

Ask about the First Thanksgiving

Visitors looking for one-stop information spot should visit the Mission Valley Visitor Center. This historic building provides free Wi-Fi, ATM’s, restrooms, Mission Trail information, and a Sun Metro transfer location. The center’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or any questions pertaining to the Mission Trail area. The Mission Valley Visitor Center will provide you with everything you need to know for your Mission Trail visit. Restrooms available.

You can view and purchase local art on display with their Quarterly Art Exhibits in the Nestor A. Valencia Art Gallery. They also have a monthly "Coffee at the Trail."

They have a conference area available for presentations and reservations, and can host tours of the Missions. Ask the Visitors Center for more information.

Stop by and learn about the rich heritage of the area.

This quarterly exhibit, "Costume Exhibit" was set up on September 3, 2024 and will be up until November 30, 2024. Below is a brief description of the exhibit.

Determination and Courage:

The Development of Public Schools in the Mission Valley

Determination, courage, and patience led to the establishment of the first public schools in the Mission Valley. The beginning of education in the Mission Valley Region can be traced to 1807 when 65 children from the Mexican villages of Paso del Norte (modern-day Ciudad Juárez), Socorro, Ysleta, and San Elizario began attending school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The local Catholic missions also served as an early source of education. According to the Handbook of Texas, they were “designed to Christianize and domesticate the Indians and to provide the rudiments of learning for the children of garrison troops and Spanish colonists.” The first public school in El Paso was organized in San Elizario in 1870 by Octavio

Ambrosio Larrazolo. The school was organized at the home of Captain Gregorio N. Garcia now known as the Los Portales Museum and Visitor Center. Another early public school in El Paso County was formed in September of 1871 Alexander Martin’s Ranch in San Jose, tree miles from Ysleta, with E.N. Ronquillo as teacher. In the 1880s, the El Paso County school system was expanded beyond San Eli, Ysleta, and Socorro. The first school was established in Clint in 1886 by the women of the town. The first public school opened in Fabens 1905. Before WW1, Tornillo did not have a permanent public school until 1916. This exhibit will take a look at the development of public schools in the EL Paso Mission Valley and those who worked to provide quality education in the El Paso Mission Valley.