Ysleta Mission

The Ysleta Mission in El Paso, Texas, is considered the oldest continuously operating parish in the state and is closely tied to the history of the Tigua people. In 1680, after the Pueblo Revolt, the Tigua fled their home of Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico and followed Spanish colonists south. In El Paso del Norte they founded Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, with the addition of "del Sur" distinguishing it from the original Isleta Pueblo. As early as 1682, the residents built a permanent adobe structure, which was consecrated that same year by Bishop Salpointe and named in honor of the Tigua's patron saint, St. Anthony. The community also claims to possess the oldest continuously farmed land in the United States.

The architecture of today's church shapes the look of the neighborhood, though its characteristic gables and beehive-shaped bell tower were not added until 1897. The building's history has been marked by adversity: several floods of the Rio Grande forced relocations, and a fire in 1907, caused by chemicals in the bell tower, required a complete rebuilding the following year. The mission has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. Today the church is cared for by Conventual Franciscans and belongs to the Diocese of El Paso. Alongside the historic church, which is used mainly for special occasions such as weddings and baptisms, a newer church serves the growing congregation.

In Ysleta, visitors experience a living blend of history and culture. The Tigua community remains closely connected to the church and celebrates the feast day of St. Anthony on June 13 with a Mass and traditional dances. The annual Ysleta Mission Festival in July is one of the largest events in El Paso and helps fund preservation work. The Tigua Cultural Center and the tribal government offices are located close by. The mission is part of the El Paso Mission Trail, a route considered a section of the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, which also includes other important sites such as the Socorro Mission and the Presidio Chapel of San Elizario.