William Rubio Carbajal
Historical marker location:WILLIAM RUBIO CARBAJAL
THE FIRST MEXICAN AMERICAN TO ATTEND AND GRADUATE FROM GOLIAD HIGH SCHOOL WAS WILLIAM RUBIO CARBAJAL. THE EFFORT TO GET HIM ADMITTED TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND RECEIVE THE SAME EDUCATION AS ANGLO AMERICANS WAS AN IMPORTANT STRUGGLE FOR MEXICAN AMERICANS IN GOLIAD COUNTY AND IN TEXAS. WILLIAM WAS BORN IN MAY OF 1915, AND WAS THE NINTH GENERATION OF HIS FAMILY TO BE BORN IN TEXAS. HIS ANCESTORS HAD SERVED THE U.S. MILITARY IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, TEXAS REVOLUTION, CIVIL WAR, INDIAN WARS AND WORLD WAR I. WILLIAM ATTENDED A SEGREGATED PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE CITY OF GOLIAD. THE MEXICAN SCHOOL ENDED WITH THE SEVENTH GRADE AND CONSISTED OF A SMALL 20 X 30 FOOT ROOM WITH UP TO SIXTY CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE. WILLIAM’S PRINCIPAL, FRANK WALLACE, BELIEVED HE SHOULD GO ON TO THE HIGH SCHOOL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS FOR WHITES ONLY.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF WALLACE, WILLIAM ASKED PERMISSION FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD TO ATTEND THE HIGH SCHOOL. HIS REQUEST WAS DENIED. THE FAMILY CONTINUED TO FIGHT AND ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER OF THE LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS (LULAC) IN 1932. LULAC RESPONDED BY FORMING THE GOLIAD CHAPTER WHICH STILL EXISTS TODAY. THE LULAC COUNCIL, FRANK WALLACE AND THE CARBAJAL FAMILY BROUGHT THE FIGHT TO THE TEXAS BOARD OF EDUCATION IN AUSTIN WHICH GRANTED HIM THE RIGHT TO ATTEND GOLIAD HIGH SCHOOL. THREE DAYS OF WAITING ON THE STEPS OF THE SCHOOL PASSED BEFORE THEY FINALLY ALLOWED HIM TO ENTER. WILLIAM EXCELLED IN HIS STUDIES, PARTICIPATED IN SCHOOL PLAYS AND MADE ALL-DISTRICT ON THE FOOTBALL TEAM. IN 1935, WILLIAM BECAME THE FIRST MEXICAN AMERICAN TO EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM THE GOLIAD HIGH SCHOOL
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
In 1829, the Mexican government established Goliad County as a municipality as part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The town of Goliad was established as the county seat, and it quickly became a center for trade and commerce. However, tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers in Texas, eventually leading to the Texas Revolution.
One of the most well-known events in Goliad County's history occurred during the Texas Revolution in 1836. After the fall of the Alamo, Colonel James Fannin and his troops were captured by Mexican forces and held in the presidio at Goliad. In a tragic turn of events, Fannin and his men were executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre, a significant event that further fueled the desire for Texas independence.
After gaining independence, Goliad County continued to grow and develop. The area became an important hub for ranching and agriculture, particularly in the production of cattle, cotton, and peanuts. Today, Goliad County is known for its rich historical heritage and its thriving tourism industry, drawing visitors with its impressive historic sites and events that commemorate the region's past.
Goliad County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Goliad County, Texas.
- 1821 - Mexican Revolutionary General Martín Perfecto de Cos granted land to empresario Martín De León in what is now Goliad County
- 1829 - The Mexican government granted the De León Colony rights to settle in the area
- 1836 - Goliad County was officially established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas
- 1836 - The Goliad Massacre occurred during the Texas Revolution, where prisoners of war from the Battle of Coleto were executed by the Mexican army
- 1846 - The county was formally organized and named Goliad County after the presidio and the Spanish fort located in the area
- 1850s - The county experienced economic growth with cattle ranching and agriculture becoming prominent industries
- 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway built a line through the county, leading to further development
- 20th century - Goliad County continued to thrive with the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area
- 2000 - Goliad County celebrated its 175th anniversary