San Elizario chosen Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY readers

San Elizario, a historic jewel in El Paso County's Lower Valley, was recognized as the Best Historic Small Town in America by USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for 2023.

The small town offers a big menu of history, art and food to Borderland residents and tourists alike.

The town, centered around the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, ranked higher than other small towns, including Williamsburg, Virginia, and the car-free destination of Mackinac Island, Michigan. The 10 towns listed have small populations of fewer than 25,000 people.

The town's winning qualities are that it has maintained its historic integrity with the adobe construction and architectural features recognized in the Territorial and Pueblo Revival styles, according to USA TODAY. The town goes back hundreds of years as a Spanish settlement and military base.

According to the National Park Service, San Elizario, located about 17 miles southeast of El Paso on a stretch of El Camino Real known as the Mission Trail, marks the start of the northbound trail in the U.S. as it moves across the Rio Grande out of Mexico, through the Lower 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," the National Park Service says.

Al Borrego, director of Tourism & Cultural Affairs for San Elizario, said he is happy to see the community's efforts to promote the culture and history of the town rewarded. He said the town made it to number three last year.

"We plan on having some big events this year and we also plan on having a party to celebrate the recognition in the next few weeks," he said.

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Cool things to see in San Elizario, Texas

If you've never been, it's a fun stroll through the town. The best times to go are when the town holds festivals and brings gunslingers for re-enactments, food trucks and artists meeting visitors. Here are some things to enjoy any day.

Renowned artist Gaspar Enriquez, whose work is included in the Smithsonian's portrait collection, has turned an old adobe building into his Micasa Art Studio and Gallery at 1456 Main St., a brilliant example of what can be done with love, dedication and hard work. The art by Enriquez and other artists, mostly from the Borderland, is shown in a stunning setting that transcends the gallery experience and lifts it to almost a museum setting. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The old county jail is among the most interesting buildings in El Paso County. It is made from adobe and still maintained when needed. It became a jail in 1850 when San Elizario was made the first county seat. Its claim to fame is that Billy the Kid broke into the jail to break out his buddy, Melquiades Segura.

It is open from 2 to 4:45 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday. For information on visiting: 915-851-1682.

Los Portales Casa Garcia, formerly a residence in the mid-19th century, serves as a museum and highlights exhibits on the town's history through its many governmental periods.

The San Elizario Presidio Chapel is an active Catholic parish. It served as a fort for soldiers from a decommissioned Spanish fort in Guajoquilla, Mexico, now Chihuahua. The fort was named in honor of Saint Elzear, the French patron of soldiers.

At Placita Madrid, several respected El Paso area artists have their studios in the district. During town events, they are sometimes working on new pieces. The artists include impressionist artist Alberto Escamilla, Romy Hawkins, who works with repujado and mixed media, and Robert Dozal, who paints portraits and landscapes with a Southwestern flair.

There is one main restaurant, Shooters BBQ and Pistoleros del Adobe Restaurant & Cantina. It might be the place to be for dollar tacos and Karaoke on Thursdays. If you're looking for a small spot to get coffee and cake, look for the Cafe Arte Mi Admore at 1498 Main St., Suite F.

Licon Dairy, 11951 Glorietta Road, sells some of the finest asadero cheese and other dairy products for food lovers and also offers a free petting zoo.

María Cortés González, who enjoys a good old-time gunfight re-enactment and a San Elizario ghost hunt, may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: San Elizario chosen Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY readers