Historical Marker

Dr. Hector P. García

Historical marker location:
434 South Ohio Avenue, Mercedes, Texas
( Hector P. Garcia Library, SE corner of Ohio & 5th)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

HÉCTOR PÉREZ GARCÍA (1914-1996) WAS A COURAGEOUS LEADER IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. HE ACHIEVED PROFOUND CHANGE IN THE TREATMENT OF FELLOW MEXICAN-AMERICANS THROUGH PEACEFUL PROTEST AND LEGAL RECOURSE. GARCÍA WAS BORN IN MEXICO; IN 1917, WHEN THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION ENDANGERED HIS FAMILY, THEY FLED TO THE UNITED STATES, LEGALLY TAKING UP RESIDENCE IN MERCEDES. IN 1932, GARCÍA WAS VALEDICTORIAN OF HIS MERCEDES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS. HE GRADUATED WITH HONORS FROM THE UNIV. OF TEXAS (1936), EARNED A MEDICAL DEGREE FROM THE UNIV. OF TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOL AT GALVESTON (1940), THEN COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR RESIDENCY IN NEBRASKA. IN 1942, DR. GARCÍA VOLUNTEERED FOR THE U. S. ARMY AND SERVED AS AN OFFICER AND MEDICAL CORPS SURGEON. WHEN DISCHARGED AS A MAJOR IN 1945, HE HAD EARNED A BRONZE STAR WITH SIX BATTLE STARS FOR SERVICE IN NORTH AFRICA AND ITALY.

IN 1946, GARCÍA MOVED HIS YOUNG FAMILY TO CORPUS CHRISTI, WHERE HE OPENED A PRIVATE PRACTICE WITH HIS BROTHER. DR. GARCÍA FOUND HIMSELF DRAWN TO ADDRESSING CONCERNS OF MEXICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS. IN MARCH 1948, HE AND OTHERS FORMED THE AMERICAN G. I. FORUM. THROUGH THE INCIDENT LATER NAMED THE LONGORIA AFFAIR, DR. GARCÍA AND THE FORUM GARNERED NATIONAL ATTENTION. THE PUBLICITY BROUGHT AN EXPANSION TO FORUM ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EDUCATION REFORM, DESEGREGATION, FARM LABOR, AND POLL TAX REPEAL. IN 1966, PRESIDENT LYNDON B. JOHNSON APPOINTED GARCÍA AS ALTERNATE AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, WITH A DIRECTIVE TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN. DR. GARCÍA’S ACTIVITIES FORESHADOWED MUCH OF THE STRUGGLE FOR MEXICAN-AMERICANS AFTER WORLD WAR II. A FIGURE OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PROMINENCE, HIS LIFE HAS IMPACTED SOCIETY FROM THE POOREST BARRIOS TO THE HIGHEST ECHELONS OF GOVERNMENT

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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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Hidalgo County, located in Southern Texas, has a rich history that spans back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Caddo peoples. These tribes thrived in the area, relying on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing new settlers and establishing missions. During this time, the land belonged to Spain and was considered a part of New Spain. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the names of many cities and landmarks in Hidalgo County.

In the 19th century, Mexico gained independence from Spain and Hidalgo County became part of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. However, with the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region became a part of the Republic of Texas and was eventually incorporated into the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hidalgo County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the development of irrigation techniques. This led to the establishment of prosperous agricultural communities, with cotton being the main cash crop. Over time, the population became increasingly diverse, with a mix of Mexican, Anglo-American, and other immigrant communities.

Today, Hidalgo County is a thriving region known for its vibrant culture, strong agricultural industry, and close proximity to the US-Mexico border. It is home to cities such as McAllen and Edinburg, as well as popular tourist attractions like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and the International Museum of Art and Science. The county continues to evolve, with a growing population and a dynamic economy driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and international trade.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hidalgo County, Texas.

  • 1749 - The area that is now Hidalgo County is explored by Spanish explorers.
  • 1767 - The Spanish government establishes a settlement called Reynosa in the area.
  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the United States.
  • 1852 - Hidalgo County is officially established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1909 - The city of McAllen is founded.
  • 1944 - The Hidalgo County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is completed.
  • 1954 - The Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 4 is created to provide irrigation and drainage services.
  • 1970 - The population of Hidalgo County reaches over 200,000.
  • 2001 - The new Hidalgo County Administration Building opens.