Grapes growing on a Spanish arbor. In addition to their own domesticates, the native people of El Paso grew European crops, such as wheat, grapes, peaches, and other fruits. During his visit to El Paso in 1760, Bishop Don Pedro Tamarón y Romeral said of the missions that, “They maintain a large number of vineyards, from which they make generoso wines even better than those from Parras…. It is delightful country in summer….” Photograph by Carly Whelan. |