Historic Cemetery

Gerardo Guerra Gravesite Cemetery

Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From FM 3167/FM 649 junction in El Sauz, go 3.6 miles south on FM 3167. Gravesite is on right (west) side of road, approx. 50 ft. from road. From US 83 in Rio Grande City, go 10.1 miles north on FM 3167. Grave will be on left (west) side of road, approx. 50 ft. from road.This gravesite is highly endangered. It is a map feature, but it is a single grave that is not accessible to the public. There are no cemetery signs posted, and it does not appear to be regularly maintained. A new granite marker has been placed on the grave, and there is evidence of visitations (floral decorations). The grave is enclosed by an ornamental cast iron fence. The headstone inscription reads:GerardoGuerra1877 - 4-17-47The grave reportedly contains the man's horse as well. According to the story, the man and his horse both died while riding one day. Their bodies were not discovered for several weeks. Due to advanced decomposition, the man and his horse were buried in a single grave on the spot were they died.

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
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
Starr County is located in the southwestern part of Texas, near the Mexican border. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Caddo, Coahuiltecan, and Lipan Apache, before being colonized by European explorers. In the late 1700s, Spanish settlers arrived in the region and established several ranches and missions.

During the 19th century, Starr County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American War. It was a site of numerous conflicts between Texan settlers and Mexican forces, leading to the establishment of Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City as a means of protection. The county was officially created in 1848, named after James Harper Starr, the Secretary of the Treasury under the Republic of Texas.

Farming and ranching became the primary economic activities in Starr County during the 20th century. The introduction of irrigation systems in the early 1900s allowed for the cultivation of citrus fruits, vegetables, and cotton. The county also became known for its cattle ranches and oil production. However, the region faced challenges, including droughts, economic fluctuations, and the impact of the Mexican Revolution.

In recent years, Starr County has experienced population growth and development, with advancements in education, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. The area continues to rely on agriculture and ranching, as well as tourism from visitors interested in its historical and cultural heritage. Despite its location near the border, Starr County maintains a strong sense of community and remains an important part of Texas' history.

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

  • 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War and brings the area under US control.
  • 1849: Starr County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1850s: The county experiences a surge in population due to the ranching and farming opportunities in the area.
  • 1861: Texas secedes from the Union, and Starr County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1865: Civil War ends, and Starr County is reintegrated into the Union.
  • 1870s-1880s: The county's economy grows with the expansion of the railroad and the arrival of new settlers.
  • 1900: A devastating hurricane hits the region, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1919: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to the development of oil fields and boosting the local economy.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1960s: The Chicano Movement gains momentum in Starr County, advocating for equal rights and social change for Mexican Americans.
  • 1990s: Maquiladoras (border factories) become an important part of the county's economy, providing employment opportunities.