Historical Marker

Bustamante (Rancho Las Comitas)

Historical marker location:
SH 16, NE of Zapata, Zapata, Texas
( From Zapata, take SH 16 NE about 12 miles.)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The unincorporated village of Bustamante, settled by Don Pedro Jose Bustamante and his family in 1822, is located on a 22,142-acre land grant awarded by the Mexican government to Bustamante in 1835. He brought other settlers, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats to help open up the frontier. An early sandstone blockhouse built by the Bustamante family provided protection from Indian raids. During the 1870s the village became the headquarters of Rancho Las Comitas, named for the Comita tree which grew on the property. Las Comitas gave rise to a community of homes, a school and a store, making the ranch almost self sufficient. Part of the land later was claimed by the State of Texas in a Supreme Court case.

Numerous Bustamante family members are buried in three ranch cemeteries: the Bustamante Cemetery, the Cameron Cemetery, and the Gracia Cemetery. The community was officially named Bustamante in 1926 when a post office was established with Herlinda Bustamante as postmistress. Ranch life changed in the 1930s with the discovery of oil and gas in the area. Although much of the land was leased for exploration wells, the ranch is still in operation under the direction of Bustamante descendants

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.

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Zapata County, located in southern Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Carrizo peoples, who relied on the Rio Grande River for sustenance and trade. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, followed by Mexican settlers who established ranching communities.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, Zapata County was part of the disputed territory between Mexico and the Republic of Texas. In the following decades, the area witnessed ongoing conflicts between Mexican cowboys and American ranchers seeking control over the land and cattle. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo officially established the Rio Grande as the boundary between the United States and Mexico, solidifying Zapata County's place within Texas.

The county was officially organized in 1858 and named after Colonel Jose Antonio de Zapata, a local military hero. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zapata County experienced economic growth through cattle ranching, oil exploration, and agriculture. The discovery of oil in the region brought an influx of workers and increased development.

In more recent times, Zapata County has played a role in immigration and border enforcement. As a border county, it has faced challenges related to drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The community has worked with local, state, and federal agencies to address these issues and maintain the safety and well-being of its residents. Today, Zapata County remains a vibrant community with a blend of Mexican and American cultures, attractive landscapes, and a close connection to its historical roots.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Zapata County, Texas.

  • 1767: The area that would become Zapata County is part of the Spanish province of Nuevo Santander.
  • 1848: Following the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, and the land becomes part of the United States.
  • 1858: Zapata County is established as a separate county from Starr County.
  • 1870: Zapata becomes the county seat.
  • 1884: The International-Great Northern Railroad is completed, opening up the area for increased settlement and trade.
  • 1920s: Oil is discovered in Zapata County, leading to a period of economic growth.
  • 1944: Falcon Dam is completed, creating Falcon Lake and providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
  • 1996: Zapatistas, a revolutionary leftist group from Chiapas, Mexico, establish a camp in Zapata County in solidarity with indigenous peoples.