San Jose de la Mulada Ranch
Porcion 74, located in Starr County, was originally granted to Pedro Lugo in 1767 by the king of Spain. On December 26, 1787, Pedro Jose Perez purchased Porcion 74, which consisted of 6,740 acres, from Pedro Lugo. According to Camargo, Mexico, census records, Pedro Jose Perez married Manuela de la Garza on January 8, 1769. The Perez family assisted in establishing and settling La Villa de Santa Ana with Col. Jose de Escandon in Camargo on March 5, 1749. The Perez family named the ranch “San Jose de la Mulada.” A La Mulada census on September 26, 1870, indicated there were 31 inhabitants at the ranch. Ledgers kept on the ranch documented the employees’ duties and salaries, as well as other items. In 1968, Josefa Hinojosa Perez and Toraldo C. Perez purchased acreage at La Mulada from Perez family heirs.
La Mulada Ranch was included in Los Tejanos Exhibition at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum as one of the oldest ranches in Texas. On display from October 12, 1997, through September 8, 1998, the exhibit, titled “Los Tejanos: Sus Huellas en la Tierra,” investigated the contributions made by Texans of Mexican ancestry to the state’s history. The life of Casimiro Perez-Alvarez, great-great-grandson of Pedro Jose Perez and an inheritor of La Mulada Ranch, was also on exhibit at the Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg. Apart from ranching on the property, Casimiro was a well-known figure in Starr County who was a deputy U.S. Marshal from Brownsville to Laredo on horseback between 1902 and 1913, and again in 1921. The exhibit included pictures, a saddle, rifle, revolver, and documents from the Perez family, as well as correspondence related to the ranch’s cattle and trading
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.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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.
Starr County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.