In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, as a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), highlights key figures and events that have shaped the life, culture, and freedoms of San Antonio. The timeline below traces the San Antonios Rich History of Hispanic leaders and milestones.
Martín de Alarcón (1665-1730): As a Spanish explorer and governor of Coahuila and Texas, Martín de Alarcón founded San Antonio de Béxar in 1718. He established both the presidio and the mission San Antonio de Valero, which later became known as the Alamo.
José Antonio Navarro (1795-1871): A Tejano statesman, revolutionary, and politician, José Antonio Navarro signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. He went on to serve as a legislator in both the Republic of Texas and the State of Texas, leaving a lasting legacy in the state's political history.
Canary Islanders Settle in San Antonio: One of the first Canary Islanders to settle in San Antonio, María Rosa Padrón’s family helped establish the civilian settlement around the San Antonio de Béxar Presidio in 1731. Juan Leal Goraz, a native of Spain’s Canary Islands, served as the city’s first mayor between 1731 and 1732, and again in 1735.
Juan Seguín (1806-1890): A Tejano military leader and politician, Juan Seguín fought at the Battle of San Jacinto and later served as a senator in the Republic of Texas. He also became mayor of San Antonio, contributing to the city's growth in the 1830s and 1840s.
Francisco Antonio Ruiz (1830-1910): As mayor of San Antonio, Francisco Antonio Ruiz played a significant role during the U.S. Civil War and was a key witness to the aftermath of the Battle of the Alamo. His account of the battle has become a critical piece of the city's history.
The Battle of the Alamo: Following a 13-day siege in 1836, Mexican troops reclaimed the Alamo Mission, killing most of the occupants. Many Texians and Tejanos joined the Texan Army, which would defeat the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April.
José Francisco Ruiz (1783-1840): José Francisco Ruiz, one of the first Tejano signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, worked to improve relations between settlers and Native American tribes. He also served as a delegate to the Convention of 1836, shaping Texas's early years.
Leonides González Cigarroa (1904-1986): A pioneering physician and civic leader, Leonides González Cigarroa advocated for public health in San Antonio's Mexican-American community. He was the first Hispanic member of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, influencing healthcare from the 1930s to the 1970s.
Henry B. González (1916-2000): A politician and civil rights advocate, Henry B. González served as a U.S. Congressman from 1961 to 1999. He was the first Mexican-American elected to the Texas State Senate and a key figure in the fight for equality and civil rights.
Emma Tenayuca (1916-1999): Emma Tenayuca, a labor leader and activist, led the 1938 Pecan Shellers' Strike in San Antonio, fighting for workers' rights and better wages during the Great Depression. Her work paved the way for labor reforms in the city.
Carlos E. Castañeda (1896-1958): Historian and educator Carlos E. Castañeda authored an extensive history of the Catholic Church in Texas and worked to improve education for Mexican-American students. His contributions to history and education spanned several decades.
Cleto Rodríguez (1923-1990):S. Army soldier Cleto Rodríguez received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during World War II, particularly during a crucial battle in the Philippines. After the war, he became a public speaker and advocate for veterans.
World's Fair Visits San Antonio: Held in 1968 to commemorate San Antonio’s 250th anniversary, HemisFair celebrated the city's cultural ties with Latin America and other nations which settled in the region, helping solidify the city's reputation as a cultural and historic destination.
Rosita Fernández (1918-2006): Known as "San Antonio's First Lady of Song," Rosita Fernández brought Mexican music to a broader audience, performing everywhere from the White House to Broadway. Her career spanned from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Frank Madla (1937-2006): A dedicated Texas state legislator , Frank Madla began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives in the 1960s and continued to serve there until 1993. Madla focused on key issues affecting underserved communities. In 2005 Madla wrote the bill authorizing the creation of Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Lila Cockrell (1922-2019): Lila Cockrell became San Antonio’s first female mayor, serving from 1975 to 1981 and again from 1989 to 1991. Her leadership was instrumental in urban development and promoting the city as a cultural hub.
Jesse Treviño (1946-2023): Artist and muralist Jesse Treviño created public murals that depicted the cultural and historical heritage of San Antonio’s Mexican-American community. His work, from the 1970s until his death in 2023, remains a colorful tribute to the city’s past and his artistic legacy.