SOCORRO HISTORIC DISTRICT on the CAMINO REAL DE TIERRA ADENTRO ~ Socorro, Texas

The District:

The Socorro Historic District is anchored by the Socorro Mission that was established in 1680 by local Manso and Piro Indians fleeing the Pueblo Revolt in northern New Mexico. The town took its name from Socorro, the town in central New Mexico from which the Piros had originated, which had been given the name Socorro by the Spaniards due to the helpful attitude of the Piro toward the Spaniards at the time of first contact. The probable date of a Mass celebrated in the mission church of Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion del Socorro, October 13, 1680, is regarded as the founding date of the city in Texas, called Socorro, established by the Spaniards and the Piro they brought south with them from New Mexico during the Pueblo Revolt. Socorro was first incorporated in 1871, and was reincorporated in 1985 in response to an annexation attempt from neighboring El Paso.

The Socorro Historic District, is included in a 1.2 mile portion of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, which includes the Socorro Mission and grounds, the Socorro Mission Cemetery, the former Sombras del Pasado Restaurant (the Wine Down), the Old Handball Court (rebote), historic Casa Ortiz, the Apodaca Hacienda and the "Cueva" Theatre, Casa Ortiz, the original site of the First Socorro Mission, the Socorro Acequia System, and other Historical Contributing buildings.