This location is considered the oldest area of El Paso, dating back to the late 17th century when present-day Texas was under the rule of Nueva España (New Spain).
Don Juan de Oñate, a New Spain-born conquistador of Spanish parents, was an expedition leader who ordered a big feast north of the Río Grande in what is now Socorro, Texas.
[1] Oñate declared La Toma (taking possession), claiming all territory north of the Río Grande for King Philip II of Spain.
The Tigua (pronounced Tiwa) is one of three Indian tribes in Texas whose sovereignty is recognized by the United States Government.
Some people in this area and its twin city across the river, Ciudad Juárez, are direct descendants of the Spaniards.