Texas Historical Commission to conduct dig at former Socorro Mission site

It’s time to dig to see if there’s any artifacts left behind from one of the five historic Socorro Mission sites.

During an El Paso County Commissioners Court meeting on Monday, commissioners agreed to lend labor, equipment and efforts to assist the Texas Historical Commission with archaeological research.

Although the THC state archaeologist wouldn’t tell ABC-7 exactly where the parcel of land is, it’s suspected to be somewhere near the present day Socorro Mission site on the 300 block of South Nevarez Road.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Vince Perez believes there could be buried treasures that are likely hundreds of years old at the site.

“We have the oldest active missions in the United States,” Perez said. “There’s a lot of history that’s still unknown and being researched as it pertains to these missions.”

Where the historic Socorro Mission stands now is not the original home. From 1682 till now, the mission has been at five different locations, according to the Texas Beyond History website.

The dig conducted by THC is expected to take place over a two-day period in March. A THC spokesman said the state agency saves the real places that tell the real stories of Texas.

“Preserving our history is just so important. This is just a great partnership between the Texas Historic(al) Commission and El Paso County,” Perez said. He said the total cost to the county to help with the project is $1,400.

Texas Historical Commission State Archaeologist Pat Mercado-Allinger said the commission is only borrowing a backhoe and operator. Access to the land wasn’t granted by a previous private owner before, meaning this will be the first time they get to take a peek at what’s there, according to Mercado-Allinger.