Tejano History

What is a Tejano?

A Tejano is a descendant of the Spanish and Mexican families that first inhabited the Texas frontier from the late 1600s through the late 1800s. Tejanos are considered the first families of Texas; they lived in this area nearly 150 years prior to the Texas Revolution and created the areas first towns, governments, missions, ranches and roads.

Who is Polly Rodriguez?

Jose Policarpio "Polly" Rodriguez (1829-1914) was born in present day Zaragoza, Mexico and moved along with his family to San Antonio in 1840. In 1842, Polly began an apprenticeship as a gunsmith and at the end of three years had become an expert at his craft as well as a renowned marksman and hunter.

In 1849, he helped lead the famous "Whiting/Smith Expedition" from San Antonio to El Paso. He was appointed Head Guide and Scout and served with the legendary 2nd Cavalry, which boasted such legendary commanding officers as: Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston and Joseph E. Johnston.

Who is Juan Seguín?

Juan Nepomuceno Seguín (1806-1890) was a major political and military figure during the Texas Revolution. He was elected alderman in December 1828 before being elected alcalde (mayor) in December 1833. He was re elected in 1841. After the Battle of the Alamo, he organized a company that was the rear guard of Sam Houston's army and was the only Tejano cavalry unit to fight at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Who is José Antonio Navarro?

José Antonio Navarro (1795-1871) was born in the province of San Antonio de Bexar in Texas. In 1824, he was elected to the State Legislature of Coahuila y Texas and in 1831 was Commissioner of the DeWitt Colony. He was elected as a Deputy to the National Mexican Congress representing Coahuila y Texas in 1835. As the movement for Texas independence grew, he resigned his post. His role in the Texas Revolution is largely forgotten today. However, Navarro was one of only two native signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence and served as a member of Congress as a Senator.

Who is Lorenzo de Zavala?

Manuel Lorenzo Justiniano de Zavala y Sáenz (1788-1836) was the first Vice President of the Republic of Texas. In October of 1833, President Antonio López de Santa Anna named him to a diplomatic post in Paris. When he learned of Santa Anna's assumption of dictatorial powers in 1834, de Zavala renounced his post. He returned to Texas in 1835 and from then until his death from pneumonia in 1836, served the public as a member of the legislature.

Who is Gregorio Esparza?

Gregorio Esparza (1802-1836) is one of the legendary Alamo defenders. He enlisted in Juan Seguín's company in October 1835 and fought during the siege of Bexar from Dec. 5-9, 1835. Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna and his army arrived on February 1836; Esparza and his family took refuge in the Alamo compound. He manned a cannon during the battle and died at the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Who is Toribio Losoya?

José Toribio Losoya (1808-1836) was one of the legendary defenders of the Alamo and a member of Juan Seguín's company of Tejanos. By 1830, Losoya was a private in the Alamo de Parras Company. By the fall of 1835, he had enlisted (as a rifleman) in Seguín's company and in December of that year, he participated in the Siege of Bexar. Losoya died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

Who is José Francisco Ruiz?

José Francisco Ruiz (1783-1840) was known as a highly skilled military officer and public official. Ruiz was elected regidor on the San Antonio cabildo (city council) in 1805. He began his military career with the Bexar Provincial Militia in 1811 as a lieutenant. He allied himself with the Independence movement and traveled to the "Washington-on-the-Brazos" meeting in February of 1836. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, one of only two native Texans among the 59 signers of this historic document.