|
History in
a Pecan Shell
Originally known
as Gallina, Candelaria is in a rugged portion of the Chihuahuan
Desert on the end of a road that was only opened in 1985.
The post office was granted in 1901 and by 1910 the town had a healthy
543 inhabitants. A cavalry post was established there during the 1916
Mexican Revolution.
In August of 1919, elements of the 8th Cavalry crossed into Mexico
on the last punitive U.S. foray during the Mexican Revolution. The
post was closed shortly thereafter and the town's population declined
with the loss of its economic foundation.
By 1925 there were only 250 people living there and only 75 for the
1940 census. |
Old Presidio
County Jail in Candelaria. "It is the same one that now sits
at the Presido County Jail in Marfa."
1969 photo
courtesy Barclay
Gibson
More Texas Jails |
Candelaria
Texas Forum
Subject:
Ruidosa, Tx church picture
The picture of the church ruins is of a church in Ruidosa,
Tx as you are leave heading toward Candelaria, Tx - Florencio Garcia,
March 26, 2008
Subject:
Candelaria
Dear TE, Even though I was born in Alpine,
Texas in 1952, we lived occasionally across the river from Candelaria
in San Antonio Del Bravo. While Dad was working on a ranch outside
Alpine, Mom would send me to school in Candelaria for the week and
I would stay with an aunt across the river. That did not work out
too well because I would just simply swim across and walk back "home."
Later we permanently moved back to the U.S. and went to elementary
school in Van
Horn. To this day when I see images of Candelaria and the the
Big Bend Country, they bring back memories of a time that was just
pure innocence and care free. I now live in Austin
but visit every now and then. Thanks for your magazine! - Oscar
Olivas, Austin, TX, May 26, 2007
Subject:
Photo of the Old Church
Last year about this time I visited Ruidosa,
Texas and noted with interest the Old Church in ruins there.
Today while revisiting the area via the Internet I find the stories
about Ruidosa and separate location
Candelaria showing photographs of that same church. Mistake?
Thanks for making these stories of these interesting places available.
I'm fascinated by that country down there. - Jim Horn, April 02,
2006
Subject:
Candelaria, Texas
I thank you for your invitation to write on Candelaria, Texas. However,
I just couldn't be brief enough to suit you I'm afraid. I loved
the placed. To me, there was no border. When we would go there,
I could think of nothing else other than to saddle a horse as fast
as possible and ride as much as possible for as long as possible,
be it, five days, a week or two weeks. To me, it was magical, it
was freedom. I would cross the river at will, going to wonder and
marvel at that store that Nellie and Mariana operated, buying ice
cream, or fulfilling an errand by buying something only they had.
The hot springs in the foothills on the Mexican side was also a
favorite, the slow flowing water would drop from a small waterfall
into a swimming hole. There were wild honey bees, from whose hives
would ooze honey! Night skies with bright, infinite stars. Well,
it was all great stuff there in Candelaria and San Antonio El Bravo,
before people starting talking border, immigration, and security.
Those intangibles that stifle the spirit and choke freedom. - Joe
Solis, El Paso, Texas for far too many years! March 27, 2006
Subject:
Candelaria, Texas
My grandfather Pablo Flores also known as (Don Pablito) lived and
raised a family there from before 1900 to 1978 when he passed away.
I lived there for about two years when my father moved us there
from Arizona to be by his side. I attended the two classroom school
there in the fourth grade about 1977. I remember the two old ladies
Nellie and Marianna that ran the only little store in town. They
used to go to Marfa and buy bulk items and sell them to the rest
of the townsfolk. I lived there with our family and then moved to
Presidio. I'll never forget all the nice memories of my grandfather
as we sat in the dark outside hearing stories of the soldiers that
were living in tents at the base of the mountain behind his adobe
house. My father visited Candelaria often until about five years
ago when his vision started to go at the age of 83. Your friend
- Paul Flores, August 17, 2005
See Presidio
County
|
 |
Presidio
County 1907 Postal Map showing Candelaria
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
HOME
