Jos� Cisneros (1910-2009) has been described as a leading historical illustrator of the Southwest. Although a painter, wood carver, writer, and muralist, his primary focus was recording through his illustration the history of the Southwest border region. During the 1940s Cisneros illustrated over 200 publications and books. Among his many honors are the Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism Award and the 1991 Order of Civil Merit, given by King Juan Carlos I of Spain. He lived in El Paso for much of his adult life.