Historical Marker

Alonso S. Perales

Historical marker location:
200 S. Flournoy Road, Alice, Texas
( Collins Cemetery, Flournoy Road and Sain Drive)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Alonso Perales, born on Oct. 17, 1898 in Alice, was orphaned at a young age, losing his father, Nicolas Perales, at age six and his mother, Susana Sandoval, at age twelve. Perales graduated from Alice High School and attended Draughon's Practical Business College. During World War I, his stenography skills earned a job as a U.S. Army field clerk. Perales moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce. He received a B.A. from George Washington University and a law degree in 1926. His skills as a bilingual lawyer led to a job with the U.S. Department of State, where he served on 13 diplomatic missions to Mexico, the West Indies and Central and South America. Perales was an attorney on General Pershing's staff for the Tacna-Arica Commission in 1925-26, and a legal advisor to the electoral mission in Nicaragua in 1928, 1930 and 1932. On June 29, 1927, Perales issued a press release publicizing his new law offices in McAllen and Rio Grande City, as well as "preliminary steps for the formation…of a strong entity of American citizens of Mexican origin whose exclusive objective would be to sincerely work for pro intellectual, economic, social and political improvement." On Aug. 14, 1927 at a civil rights conference in Harlingen, Perales, J. T. Canales and Luz Saenz, members of the League of Latin American Citizens, supported a resolution to unify all Mexican-American organizations. That action led to the founding of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) on February 17, 1929. Perales was a prominent civil rights leader through LULAC and through hundreds of essays, speeches, and newspaper articles and three books. He died in San Antonio on May 9, 1960 and was buried in Collins Cemetery, next to his mother. In 1977, San Antonio's Edgewood ISD dedicated Alonso S. Perales Elementary School. (2013)

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.

Civil Rights
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Jim Wells County is located in South Texas and was established in 1911. It was named after prominent political figure James B. Wells, who played a significant role in the development of the area. The county's history can be traced back to the early 18th century when it was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers and missions were established in the area during the 18th century.

In the mid-19th century, settlers began to move into the region, attracted by its fertile soil and proximity to water sources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the main industry in the area, and the county quickly grew as a result. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, further boosting the local economy and facilitating transportation.

The county experienced a significant population increase in the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil nearby. Oil production became a major industry, attracting businesses and workers to the area. This led to the development of towns and infrastructure, contributing to the economic growth of Jim Wells County.

Over the years, Jim Wells County has faced challenges such as droughts, floods, and economic downturns, particularly in the agriculture and oil industries. However, the county has remained resilient and has diversified its economy to include other sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. Today, Jim Wells County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial hub in South Texas, with a rich history and a promising future.

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

  • 1848: Jim Wells County is formed from parts of Nueces County and named after James B. Wells, a prominent political figure in the area.
  • 1904: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway is built through Jim Wells County, leading to increased agricultural development and population growth.
  • 1911: Alice becomes the county seat of Jim Wells County, replacing Orange Grove.
  • 1920s-1930s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county leads to an oil boom, spurring economic growth.
  • 1940s-1950s: Jim Wells County sees a decline in population and agricultural activity due to the effects of World War II and changes in farming practices.
  • 1988: Hurricane Gilbert hits Jim Wells County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1990s-present: Jim Wells County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a focus on farming and ranching.