Historical Marker

Porvenir Massacre

Historical marker location:
US 90, Marfa vicinity, Texas
( 27 miles west of Marfa, about 0.5 miles east of Jeff Davis-Presidio county line and 0.9 miles east of FM 505)
Marker installed: 2015
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Porvenir was a community in remote northwest Presidio County on the Rio Grande. In the midst of military conflicts and raids across and along the international border and in the immediate area during the Mexican Revolution, the small farming and ranching settlement was the site of a notorious tragedy in 1918.

A group of Texas Rangers from Company B in Marfa, U.S. Army soldiers from Troop G of the 8th Cavalry, and local ranchers arrived at Porvenir in the early morning hours of January 28, 1918. They came to the ranch of Manuel Moralez and separated fifteen able-bodied men and boys from the women, children and other men. Though initial accounts denied any wrongdoing, later testimony confirmed that these 15 victims were shot and killed. Family members crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico to bury Antonio Castañeda, Longino Flores, Pedro Herrera, Vivian Herrera, Severiano Herrera, Manuel Moralez, Eutemio González, Ambrosio Hernández, Alberto García, Tiburcio Jáquez, Róman Nieves, Serapio Jiménez, Pedro Jiménez, Juan Jiménez, and Macedonio Huertas.

In June 1918, Governor William P. Hobby and Adjutant General James A. Harley disbanded Company B, dismissed five Rangers for their actions at Porvenir, and forced Captain J.M. Fox’s resignation. State Representative J.T. Canales filed charges with the Texas Legislature against the Texas Rangers, for the oppression and murder of hundreds of ethnic Mexicans along the Rio Grande. At an investigation beginning January 31, 1919, legislators heard and received testimony regarding several incidents including Porvenir. As a result, the Texas Rangers were reorganized and reduced in size. In the aftermath of the attack, approximately 140 remaining residents of Porvenir abandoned the community.

(2015)

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Presidio County is located in southwestern Texas and has a rich and varied history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche. In the 17th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region and established the first European settlements. These settlements served as military outposts, or presidios, hence the name "Presidio County."

During the 19th century, Presidio County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. Fort Leaton, a well-preserved adobe fort, served as an important staging point for both conflicts. In 1848, the Amistad Expedition, a slave rebellion, took place in the county. This event resulted in international controversy and contributed to shifting attitudes towards slavery in Texas.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Presidio County experienced growth and development due to several factors. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 spurred economic activity and brought more settlers to the area. Agriculture, particularly ranching and farming, became the primary industries. The county's proximity to the Rio Grande also made it an important trade hub.

However, Presidio County faced challenges and hardships as well. The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, had a significant impact on the region due to its borderland location. Smuggling, violence, and instability became prevalent, affecting the county's economy and population. Today, Presidio County reflects its diverse history, with cultural influences from Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American settlers shaping its identity.

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

  • 1850 - Presidio County established as one of the original 36 counties of Texas
  • 1854 - Fort Defiance established near Presidio to protect against Native American raids
  • 1875 - Presidio County seat moved from Fort Davis to Marfa
  • 1882 - Marfa and Presidio connected by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway
  • 1884 - The Chinati Mountains declared a federal game reserve, later becoming Chinati Mountains State Natural Area
  • 1933 - Marfa becomes a major cattle-shipping center with the construction of the Presidio County Courthouse
  • 1998 - Marfa becomes known as an arts destination, after the artist Donald Judd establishes the Chinati Foundation