Texas Observer Article by Daniel Blue Tky

Historical Marker Controversy

Who Writes History? The Fight to Commemorate a Massacre By The Texas Rangers

Porvenir Massacre Marker Takes Its Place in History!

In the year 2000, I embarked on a journey to obtain the historical marker, fueled by passion and determination. To my astonishment, I quickly realized that the opposition against this endeavor was more significant than I had ever expected. After the Centennial celebrations, I discovered that Dr. Monica Muñoz Martinez and the Refusing to Forget organization were also advocating for the same marker. Recognizing the power of collaboration, we united our efforts, and Dr. Muñoz Martinez took the lead in crafting the marker's script. She meticulously ensured that every name of the men and boys who tragically lost their lives was included, honoring their memory with the respect they deserved.

As the marker neared completion, excitement filled the air as plans for the unveiling began. However, an unexpected twist arose when the Presidio Historical Society suddenly sought to take control of the unveiling. This initiated a fierce struggle, as we fought to retain our vision for the event. Ultimately, the marker found its rightful home—27 miles west of Marfa, gracefully positioned along US 90, about half a mile east of the Jeff Davis-Presidio county line. Without the unwavering support and dedication of Dr. Muñoz Martinez and the Refusing to Forget organization, this important milestone would have remained an elusive dream, forever out of reach.

At last, the Porvenir Marker secured its place in history. Since 2015, Dr. Martinez has poured her heart and soul into seeing a marker for the Porvenir Massacre created. We are deeply thankful for her relentless efforts and commitment to honoring those who were lost.
Here are the coordinates of where the marker is located.  It is  southeast of coordinates 30.513953 lat, 104.405252 long, and southeast of the county boundary sign in the photo. This is the closest public road to Porvenir, which is another 28 miles west-southwest from U.S. 90, along the Rio Grande and over the Sierra Vieja Mountains which are visible from the road (right-center of photo). The county seat, Marfa, is about 50 miles east of Porvenir.

​Porvenir Marker Unveiling Ceremony at the historical Magoffin Home in El Paso

Descendants visiting the marker.  Please send in your photos!

Dr. Monica Muñoz Martinez worked with the Texas Historical Committee since 2015 on the Porvenir Historical Marker.  She submitted her application under the Undertold Marker Program.  Under this program, the county that the marker will be placed in does not have to be informed or involved.  For years, many descendants had tried to get a marker through the PCHC without any luck.  If it were true that they wanted it they could have done it years ago. Instead, they waited until two weeks before the Sept 1, 2018 unveiling to protest it and claim that they wanted it too.  Dr. Martinez  worked on the inscription for the Porvenir Historical Marker with the THC for  four years.   Every historical fact was checked and rechecked and finally on July 27, 2018 the THC approved it and the unveiling went forward. The information below is the evidence that shows how the Presidio County Historical Committee through false allegations put a halt to the Sept. 1, 2018 marker unveiling.  

The email below was written to the Texas Historical Commission in Austin, TX by Mona Garcia, President of the Presidio County Historical Committee (PCHC) demanding that the planned Porvenir Historical Marker dedication being held in El Paso, Texas be halted. In this email, she states that she contacted the Presidio County Attorney, Rod Ponton to protest the marker.  



Date: August 3, 2018  
From: Mona Garcia  

I am writing to express my concern regarding the untold stories marker approved by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Bob Brinkman at THC had previously granted text and placement approval, stating that the marker unveiling would take place on Labor Day weekend along Highway 90 near Chispa Road, which leads to the original site of Porvenir. However, I was informed that Mr. Brinkman is currently on vacation until August 13.

Our organization, the Presidio County Historical Commission (PCHC), has faced unexpected challenges due to militant activists from various parts of the country. After receiving a text from Dr. Mariano Garcia, a Professor of Chicano Studies, I approved his text for the marker, which our commission has worked on for over a year. 

Unfortunately, these activists have turned the marker request into a political rally, demanding reparations from the federal government for a tragic event that occurred over 100 years ago. Many of them assert that they are descendants of the Mexican men and boys killed by the United States 7th Cavalry and Texas Rangers—allegedly "without provocation." President Woodrow Wilson ordered the cavalry to address border raids after many years of crime along the U.S.-Mexico border, prompted by residents in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas seeking protection.

I would like to clarify that my property, Building 98 at the old Fort D.A. Russell, was constructed between 1890 and 1920 as a Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ) for West Point Mounted Cavalry Officers, including notable figures like Colonel George Patton and "Black Jack" Pershing.

These activists have overstepped their bounds by holding the unveiling ceremony in El Paso at the McGoffin Mansion historical property. The text for the marker was changed by them, despite our original text being approved by THC, with an assurance from the commission that the marker would be placed in its originally designated location, funded by THC.

In a surprising turn, these activists have invited our PCHC Commissioners to the unveiling of the marker, which was created and funded by the state. This has devolved into a political football.

As the Chairman of the PCHC, I have reached out to our Presidio County Attorney, Mr. Rod Ponton, who will send a letter of protest to THC regarding this issue. Additionally, I contacted former Supreme Court Justice Wallace Jefferson, who is now on the THC Board of Directors. He is an old friend who served as Supreme Court Justice while my husband was a member of the State Bar of Texas. I also have connections with Mr. Jefferson's wife, who is a fellow member of the Texas Lawyers Auxiliary.

I recently spoke with Glen Justice, who has been researching Porvenir for over 30 years, as he has a home on the Rio Grande near the site of this tragic event, which took place in January 1918 following the Brite Ranch raid on Christmas Day 1917. Mr. Justice also resides in Odessa, Texas, where his wife was reportedly threatened by these militants, who visited their home in his absence and stole artifacts he had collected over many years. He and Jerry Patterson have been planning to film a movie about the Porvenir Massacre, with intentions to distribute it on platforms like Netflix. The timing of this is particularly noteworthy given the current political climate in our nation.

To conclude, the PCHC is shocked by these bizarre developments. I request that this information be appropriately circulated within THC.

Best regards,  
Mona Garcia  
Chairman, Presidio County Historical Commission

 The letter that Presidio County Attorney wrote to the THC is below.  Click on each page to read.

Texas State Senator José Rodríguez questions the validity of halting the unveiling.

The American Historical Association questions the validity of halting the unveiling.

​Arlinda Valencia - Descendant questions the validity of halting the unveiling.

Dr. Monica Muñoz Martinez, PhD ​questions the validity of halting the unveiling.

Refusing to Forget Organization ​questions the validity of halting the unveiling.