This site was initially owned by Jose Ignacio Ronquillo in the 1830s. Ronquillo was the first commander of the presidio during the Mexican period (1821-1848). The property was subsequently acquired by Charles Ellis and his wife, Teodora, in the 1860s. Ellis, a prominent merchant, was killed during the Salt War of 1877. After his death, the home was looted and ultimately sold to offset heavy debts. While only a single wing remains, in its original state the house constituted a fine example of a large adobe hacienda. Of eleven total rooms, five are still standing with their latilla high ceilings, round vigas and moldings which once held painted canvas cloth murals, suggesting the grandeur of the original building. According to folklore, the home was once thought to date to colonial Spain, when a viceroy buried his gold in the house. This is unlikely, since there is no record of travel by any viceroy to the El Paso region. Nevertheless, the floors were dug out by treasure seekers, while others simply avoided the “Viceroy's Palace” altogether, fearing to see the restless spirit of some past inhabitant through its dark windows. The building has been unoccupied since 1959 and has suffered from the effects of weather and neglect. In 2000, the remaining rooms were stabilized and the property awaits restoration.