Socorro Mission

El Paso


The community of Socorro was established in the fall of 1680, after Spaniards and Native Americans fled New Mexico following the Pueblo Revolt earlier in the year. The mission here was completed in 1691, making Socorro the second-oldest mission in Texas. Floods destroyed earlier buildings and churches here; the current structure was built in 1843. The carved and decorated support beams were likely salvaged from the first mission. The statue inside is St Michael, the mission's patron saint.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Paso attractions

1. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park

1.33 MILES

Managed by the University of Texas at El Paso, this 372-acre city park has walking trails (two natural-surface and one paved) weaving through the wetlands…

2. Tigua Cultural Center

1.97 MILES

The surrounding community of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is sovereign home to the Tigua tribe and is recognized by many as the oldest town in Texas. Despite…

3. Ysleta Mission

2.74 MILES

Home to Texas’ oldest continually active congregation, tracing back to 1680, Ysleta Mission was established for Spanish refugees and Tigua people fleeing…

4. San Elizario Presidio Chapel

5.23 MILES

A Spanish presidio named for St Elzéar, the French patron saint for soldiers, was established here in 1789 (San Elizario is a corruption of his name). A…

5. El Paso Zoo

11.39 MILES

Home to a large number of endangered animals, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran orangutan, Malayan tiger and the rare Amur leopard. All told, more…

7. Chamizal National Monument

11.67 MILES

This park celebrates the cultures of Mexico, the United States and the borderland between them, as well as the settlement of a property dispute between…