Historical Marker

San Ygnacio

Historical marker location:
Laredo St, Washington Ave, San Ygnacio, Texas
( Plaza del Pueblo, Laredo St and Washington Ave)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In the late 1820s, Jesús Treviño bought land and a hacienda from the heirs of José Vásquez Borrego. Treviño and his family, as well as several residents from nearby Revilla, Mexico (Guerrero), established a ranch and settlement and named it for Revilla's patron saint, San Ignacio de Loyola. In 1830, Treviño moved the ranch upriver, and for his headquarters he constructed a building of native sandstone. In 1851, his son-in-law, Blás María Uribe, had José Villarreal build and place a sundial on the entrance. Uribe later added other structures, forming the compound known today as Fort Treviño, or El Fuerte. Uribe also joined in discussions surrounding the formation of the Republic of the Río Grande. He and his brothers-in-law, Vicente Gutiérrez and Manuel Benavides García, were active leaders in San Ygnacio, which became a regional trade center, with access to land and river routes. In 1873, Uribe deeded land for Nuestra Señora del Refugio Catholic Church.

Largely populated by farmers and laborers, and following many years as a duty-free border zone, San Ygnacio continued to prosper late into the 19th century. The settlement, bypassed by the railroad in the 1880s, remained viable through its farming and ranching enterprises. Throughout the years, the area was often involved in political and military operations.

In the early 1950s, plans for Falcon Reservoir posed a threat to the historic townsite. A committee headed by Mercurio Martínez successfully petitioned government officials to spare the community. Despite flood damage incurred in 1954, San Ygnacio has remained intact. Today, it is a unique example of a mid-19th century Texas border town, with numerous native sandstone structures, and is considered the oldest inhabited settlement in Zapata County. (2005)

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.

cities and towns Latin American topics
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.