El Paso del Rio del Norte

The mission the panel names was founded on December 8, 1659, by Fray García de San Francisco among the Manso people at the pass. Three years later a church replaced the first chapel and 100 people were baptized on its dedication day. In 1680 more than 2,500 Spanish refugees and displaced Pueblo people fleeing the revolt found food and shelter there, and until 1692 the pass was Spain's northernmost settlement in the region. Fray García later served the Piro at Senecú and died in 1673. Ciudad Juárez kept the name El Paso del Norte until 1888.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historic Marker El Paso del Rio del Norte The canyon cut here by the Rio Grande marks the crossing of the historic Camino Real, or Royal Road, to La Tierra Adentra. Trackers and traders crossed the river here to begin the arduous journey north to Santa Fe. Permanent settlement of this area began with establishment of the Mission of Nuestra Señor de Guadalupe in 1659 in present- day Ciudad Juarez.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Oñate's Route / El Camino Real — 15 mi
• Brazito Battlefield — 15 mi
• Butterfield Trail / Espejo's Expedition — 15 mi
• Paraje de los Brazitos — 24 mi