The building is located in the central square of San Elizario, 17.5 miles south-southeast of El Paso.

[2] The chapel provided the religious needs of a presidio or an outpost of military personnel.

The presidio was moved to the present site in 1790, to protect travelers and settlers along the Camino Real (Royal Highway) which ran from Mexico City through Paso del Norte to Santa Fe.

During the Mexican–American War, after San Elizario was occupied by the United States, volunteers from California were stationed at the presidio to prevent the re-occupation.

[5] The church is one of the late examples of the adobe architecture in West Texas and reflects European influences on the Spanish Colonial style.