The Bosque-Larios Expedition
Historical marker location:(April 30 - June 12, 1675) In the 16th century, northern Mexico was torn by strife as the Indian inhabitants resisted Spanish efforts to enslave them. A century later, wealthy humanitarian Antonio Balcarcel set out to invoke justice and help missionaries Christianize the land.
In the spring of 1675, Balcarcel sent out an armed expedition under Fernando Del Bosque to accompany Fray Juan de Larios on a mission north of the Rio Grande. Also in the party was Fray Dionisio de San Buenaventura, an army chaplain. Entering Texas at a site near present Eagle Pass, the expedition marched almost to the present site of San Antonio.
Three days after entering Texas, when they were in camp on the Nueces, about nine miles southwest of present Uvalde, they set up a portable altar. The expeditionaries gathered with some 1,172 Indians to hear Fray Larios chant the Mass. Later Fray Larios baptized 55 infants and instructed the adult Indians so that they might be baptized at a future time.
The celebration at the Nueces on May 16, 1675, is known as the earliest recorded occasion of a high (sung) Mass in Texas. Missionary activity that began on that day eventually brought about the founding of the Texas mission system. (1975)
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 is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word.
In the early 19th century, Spanish ranchers settled in the region, establishing large cattle ranches. With the signing of the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1821, Zavala County became part of the newly independent country of Mexico. The establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836 brought an influx of American settlers to the area, seeking opportunities for farming and ranching.
The county was formally established in 1858 and named after Lorenzo de Zavala, an influential Mexican politician who had supported the Texas Revolution. However, it wasn't until the 1870s that the county experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad. The railroad brought increased commerce and connected the county to larger cities in the state.
With the discovery of oil and gas in the early 20th century, Zavala County experienced an economic boom. The oil industry brought jobs and prosperity to the region, attracting workers from across the country. Today, Zavala County remains an important hub for agriculture, oil, and gas production, preserving its rich history while continuing to evolve and adapt to the changing times.
Zavala County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Zavala County, Texas.
- 1847 - Zavala County is officially established by the Texas legislature.
- 1853 - The county seat is designated as Batesville.
- 1858 - Batesville is abandoned as the county seat and moved to a new location called Uvalde.
- 1870 - Crystal City becomes the new county seat.
- 1944 - The town of La Pryor is established.
- 1952 - The railroad is extended to Crystal City, boosting the local economy.
- 1985 - The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund sues the county over voting rights, leading to the implementation of single-member districts.
- 2004 - The Zavala County Jail is closed due to inadequate conditions.
- 2017 - Hurricane Harvey causes significant damage to the county, leading to evacuations and recovery efforts.