Historical Marker

Macario Garcia

Historical marker location:
716 Blume Rd, Rosenberg, Texas
( Macario Garcia Memorial Park)
Marker installed: 2003
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Macario García was born on January 2, 1920, in Villa de Castaño, Mexico, to Luciano and Josefa García. The family moved to Fort Bend County, Texas, in 1923 to pick crops in Sugar Land. In 1942, Macario García was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. He was wounded in action at Normandy in June 1944 but recovered and rejoined his unit, Company B, 1st Batallion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. In November 1944 at Grosshau, Germany, García destroyed two German machine-gun emplacements; although wounded, he secured his company's position. For his actions, García received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman in a White House ceremony on August 23, 1945. He also received other commendations, including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart and the Medal Mérito Militar, the Mexican equivalent of the U.S. Medal of Honor.

In Texas in September 1945, García was denied service at a local restaurant because he was Hispanic. He was ultimately arrested. Indicative of the treatment many minority veterans received following military service, García's case became highly visible in the early years of the American Civil Rights movement, and several groups including LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) came to his aid. On June 25, 1947, García became a U.S. citizen. He worked for the Veterans Administration for 25 years and served in the U.S. Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He died in a car accident in 1972 and is buried in the Houston National Cemetery. A Houston Army Reserve Center and a school is Sugar Land are also named in his honor. (2006)

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.

Mexican immigrants immigration World War II military topics
Texas is not a state – it’s a state of mind
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Fort Bend County, Texas has a rich and significant history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the region becoming a part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after a blockhouse fort built along the Brazos River.

One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.

During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.

The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fort Bend County, Texas.

  • 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
  • 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
  • 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
  • 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
  • 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
  • 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
  • 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
  • 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
  • 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000