Just 15 miles north of Zapata, the town of San Ygnacio is one
of the most historical villages along the Rio Grande.
Complementing the historic ambiance of over 10 historic homes and
a beautiful plaza which offers a delightful viewing area. Because
of its unique antiquity and typical early Spanish - Mexican
architecture, San Ygnacio has been the setting for the filming of
several motion pictures. The best known perhaps is Viva Zapata
with Marlon Brando
San Ygnacio was
established in 1830 by Don Jesus Trevino who came to the area from
Guerrero. The old homes in San Ygnacio offer visitors an up-close
look at the Spanish vernacular construction of the first
colonizers to the area. Many of the homes, which are build of 18
inch thick sandstone block, feature the original mesquite and
cypress lintels, doors and fenestration.
The narrow streets of San Ygnacio are named after many of the
first settlers: Benavides, Uribe, Gutierrez, Martinez, Garza,
Vasquez-Borrego; and for Mexican & American Presidents:
Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Hidalgo, Morelos & Juarez.
La Paz
Museum Located on
the grounds of the Arturo L. Benavides Elementary School in San
Ygnacio, this hand cut sandstone building was constructed in 1898
by Isidro and Margarita Gonzalez for their home. La Paz was
chosen for the name of the museum because of the frequency of the
words En Paz & Libertad Obremos (Let's work for Peace
and Liberty) found carved on the beams of the early homes of the
area.
Nuestra
Senora Del Refugio Catholic Church For over a century, the interior of
this structure has been a treasure trove of Spanish vernacular
architectural features. After a 1991 arson fire that destroyed the
altar and damaged the old statuary and the sacistry, many of the
church's beautiful old features were revealed. The chapel was
completed in 1875 and the church underwent major modifications in
1884 & 1899 & again in the 1960's. Jesus Trevino Fort
Complex Among the
most interesting structures in San Ygnacio is the Jesus Trevino
Fort complex which was built in the early 1800s. The side of the
walled sandstone complex facing Uribe Street is owned by the River
Pierce Foundation of San Ygnacio, a non-profit organization
dedicated to historical, cultural, and environmental
preservation. Early settlers found shelter from Indian raids in
the fort, which features most prominently a
sundial.
Col. Antonio Zapata Museum
Named after Col. Zapata, a Guerrero, Mexico native, who became
a successful military man, rancher and land holder. Exhibits
include relics and historic artifacts, nature topics, and history
of a community that dates back to 1748.
The museum is
located at the corner of 6th St. & Highway 83 in
Zapata Phone (956) 765-3062 for hours of operation
Guererro Viejo (Old Guererro)
About 30 minutes from Zapata is a treat to history buffs. Under
water since 1954, low lake levels can reveal a historic church,
mercado, hotel and remnants of a bridge. This city represents an
archeological paradise to the history enthusiasts who visit every
year. One can still admire the Spanish culture architecture of the
old city.
