Rodriguez-Chamuscado Expedition, 1581
San Elizario, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Inspired by Indian stories of settlements in present New Mexico and authorized by the Spanish Viceroy, Fray Agustin Rodriguez, a Franciscan priest, led a missionary expedition to the area. Accompanied by Fray Juan de Santa Maria, Fray Francisco Lopez, nine soldiers, and nineteen Indian servants, he left Santa Barbara, Mexico, on June 5, 1581. The military escort was led by Francisco Sanchez, who, because of his red beard, was known as El Chamuscado, "The Singed." Following the Rio Grande, the expedition reached El Paso Del Norte. Proceeding through the pass, they spent the remainder of 1581 exploring the vast region from present western New Mexico to the Texas Panhandle. After Indians killed Fray Santa Maria in September 1581, plans were made to return for a report to the Spanish authorities. Despite the hostile environment, the two remaining missionaries chose to stay. Chamuscado led the others back through the Pass of the North, but died before reaching Santa Barbara. Believed to have been the first Spanish expedition to use the Pass of the North, the Rodriguez-Chamuscado Expedition marked the beginning of Spanish influence in the area. Their exploration opened the region, now the American Southwest, to later colonization. (1981)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1581, drawn by Indian accounts of settlements to the north, the Franciscan Fray Agustin Rodriguez led a small missionary expedition up the Rio Grande, guided by the red-bearded soldier Francisco Sanchez, known as El Chamuscado, "The Singed." They became likely the first Spaniards to pass through the Pass of the North near present El Paso, exploring from New Mexico to the Texas Panhandle before hardship and death overtook their leaders.
Why it matters
The expedition opened the region that became the American Southwest to Spanish colonization, marking the earliest European reach into far West Texas.
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Related people
- · Fray Agustin Rodriguez
- · Francisco Sanchez (El Chamuscado)
- · Fray Juan de Santa Maria
- · Fray Francisco Lopez
Related events
- · Rodriguez-Chamuscado Expedition
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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