Early Hispanic Settlers

Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter brings an article on "Lineage Society for Descendants of Early Settlers of Spanish and Mexican Land Grants"

The following announcement was written by the Early Settlers of Spanish and Mexican Land Grants:

HOUSTON, TEXAS - Organizers announced today the formation of a lineage society for Early Settlers of Spanish and Mexican Land Grants (ESSMLG). This is the first national lineage society that recognizes and preserves the contributions of the Spanish / Latino culture in the early settlement of the United States. Even before Jamestowne was founded and the Pilgrims landed, Texas and the southwestern U.S. were being explored. By the 1600s there was a rich Spanish culture in place. The early settlers of the southwestern U.S. included such diverse groups as Spaniards, Canary Islanders, French, Irish, English, Scots, Jewish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, and Native Americans from both sides of the present day U.S.-Mexico border. Much of the early history of this area is barely taught in schools where the curriculum emphasizes the early English settlement of the eastern U.S.

The mission of ESSMLG is to research, preserve, and promote the lost history, heritage, and culture of the early settlers on Spanish and Mexican grants in land now part of the United States of America. It is the first national lineage society formed:

- to recognize the important contributions of those early settlers from whom our Spanish-speaking culture evolved,

- with a board-certified genealogist confirming all member applications meet accepted genealogical standards,

- with a DNA component for ground-breaking scholarly research and to link family groups,

- and with an all-digital research library.

The official launch of ESSMLG will be at the 29th Annual Texas State Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference in Nacogdoches, Texas on 28-31 August 2008."

see also http://www.hispanicgs.org/nacogdoches/index.html

READ MORE EASTMAN http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2008/08/lineage-society.html

Battle of Medina Memorial Service

MEDIA ADVISORY                     CONTACT: DAN ARELLANO 512-826-7569

                                                                   

"THE TEJANO BATTLE OF MEDINA "

HIDDEN HISTORY

The public is invited to attend the Battle of Medina Memorial Service at the Longhorn Museum 1959 E. Hi 97, Pleasanton , Texas on Saturday August 16, 2008 from 2-4 P.M.  

 

Maclovio Perez WOAI TV personality will be the Master of Ceremony. Scheduled to speak will be Andres Tijerina, Ph. D. History Professor from Austin and Author of several books, Jose Antonio Lopez Author of "The Last Knight," the story of Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, Dr. Gregg J. Dimmick , Author of " Sea of Mud ."  Dan Arellano, Author of "Tejano Roots," with special guest, Author and Historian, Mr. Robert Thonhoff.

 

Many Mexican-Americans have sacrificed their lives defending freedom and democracy. Over a thousand Tejanos were killed in one battle alone in defense of these causes, but this conflict was not on foreign soil. Not on the beaches in Normandy, not in Korea or Viet Nam, although Tejanos were there, but much closer to home, in South Texas, less than twenty miles from San Antonio. The "Battle of Medina," …the forgotten history of the Tejanos, these first sons and daughters of Texas , unknown and unrecognized for their ultimate sacrifice.

 

This battle was between the Republican Army of the North consisting of nine hundred Tejanos, three hundred Americans, and three hundred Native Americans against a Spanish Army led by Juaquin de Arredondo. A little known fact is that the Tejano leader Colonel Miguel Menchaca, in the heat of battle, had been ordered to withdraw his men, whereas it is said that he responded "Tejanos do not withdraw," and plunged back into the foray. Out of the 1500 that set out to fight only 100 would survive. After the battle another 327 Tejanos would be executed in San Antonio and another 100 would be slain as they fled towards Louisiana , making it the bloodiest struggle for freedom ever fought on Texas soil.

 

Artifacts (swords, cannon and musket balls) will be displayed by local land owners found in recent Archeological digs. The event is free and open to the public.

 

And know it is time to honor those who fought and died for freedom, 195 years ago.

 

The Longhorn Museum is located 2 ½  miles from IH 37 on Hi 97 to Pleasanton , Texas .

 darellano@austin.rr.com  www.tejanoroots.org

Native Americans Oppose Monument to Subjugation

AP Texas News

July 13, 2008, 8:33AM
Film shows fight over El Paso conquistador statue

By ANABELLE GARAY Associated Press Writer
© 2008 The Associated Press

"— DALLAS — When a renowned artist proposed creating the largest bronze equestrian sculpture ever made, El Paso leaders thought the project would help beautify the border city while honoring a founding father.

Instead, the monument depicting Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate divided El Paso residents along ethnic and social class lines, evoking protests, arguments and tears. One councilman even believes his opposition to the statue cost him his re-election.

The drama caused by the statue is featured in the documentary "The Last Conquistador," which airs nationally Tuesday on the PBS series P.O.V. The film is part of Art&Seek, a series by Dallas' KERA focusing on arts, journalism and community."

Read More from the Chronicle

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5885667.html