Atascosa County Historical Commission

06/21/2026

On behalf of the Atascosa County Historical Commission, we would like to wish the Dads, Grandfathers, Step-dads, Uncles and Father Figures a very Happy Father’s Day !!
We hope your day is filled with family and blessings.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/19/2026

Today we observe Juneteenth. Remembering that this event also impacted Atascosa County.
We highlight the Agua Negra School and Community, named after the nearby creek in northern Atascosa County, in the vicinity of Brite Lane northwest of Poteet.
This school, community, church and cemetery were on land donated by Henry Navarro. Henry and his wife Patsy were emancipated slaves of Jose Antonio Navarro. In 1872, Henry received a land grant of 160 acres. With this acreage, Henry and Patsy operated a successful farm.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/19/2026

Today, our Metal Detecting Team hosted a learning event at the Longhorn Museum that has become an annual event for us.

Thank you to Metal Detecting Team Chair David Emery, Butch Bujol and Jerome “Jack” Laporte for teaching the attending kids the art of metal detecting.

We appreciate the Longhorn Museum for hosting these events during the summer for local children.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/18/2026

Today, join members of our Metal Detecting Team as they show the kids the art of metal detecting. This is a hands on event where participating children will be able to use metal detectors to find treasure !

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

Don't forget Thursday, June 18th we will have our Metal Detecting summer program

06/17/2026

Reminder of the Call for Artists !!

🎨CALL FOR ARTISTS – COMMUNITY ART CONTEST 🎨

Hosted by The Atascosa County Historical Commission & The Longhorn Museum

The Battle of Medina Planning Committee is proud to announce a Community Art Contest for the upcoming Battle of Medina Symposium Program!

We are inviting local artists to submit original artwork that reflects the history, heritage, and significance of the Battle of Medina. This is your opportunity to have your work featured as official program art for this year’s Symposium!

🖌️ CONTEST DETAILS:
• Open to local artists (amateur, hobbyist or any enthusiast)
• Original artwork only (no AI-generated or copyrighted work)
• Mediums accepted: painting or drawing
• Submit 1 entry per artist

📌 WHAT TO INCLUDE:
• Artist name, signature & title of piece
• Short description of your artwork

🏆 WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
• Featured placement on the official Symposium program
• Public recognition at the event
• Community spotlight and acknowledgment

👥 JUDGING:
A panel of 3 community members will select the winning piece based on creativity, historical relevance, and artistic quality. There will be 2 age groups to be judged: 6-17 and 18+

📅 ARTWORK TURN-IN: July 7-9, 2026 between 8:00 am- 5:00 pm; July 11, 2026 at 9:00 am at the Longhorn Museum, 1959 E State Hwy 97, Pleasanton, Texas 78064

📣 WINNER ANNOUNCED: July 11, 2026 at 12:00 noon

By participating, artists agree their work is voluntarily gifted to the Atascosa County Historical Commission.

Let your creativity tell the story of our history and be part of something meaningful to our community!

📩 Submit entry questions to: [email protected]

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/16/2026

The Atascosa County Historical Commission is proud to announce that Commission Member Benny Garza will be featured in CNN’s acclaimed documentary series This Land on Sunday, June 28 at 8:00 pm.

Benny will appear as a direct descendant of Alamo Defender Gregorio Esparza, one of the most significant Tejano figures associated with the Battle of the Alamo. Gregorio Esparza was a native Texan who fought alongside the defenders during the siege and is remembered as the only Alamo defender whose body was recovered and given a Christian burial following the battle. His wife and children survived the siege, and their descendants continue to preserve and share his remarkable story today.

CNN’s This Land explores pivotal moments that shaped the expansion of the United States, with one episode focusing on the Texas Revolution, the Battle of the Alamo, and the lasting impact these events had on the future of Texas and the U.S.-Mexico border. A unique aspect of the series is its inclusion of descendants who bring personal family perspectives to these historic events.

The Atascosa County Historical Commission is especially honored to have not just one, but four descendants of Gregorio Esparza serving among our membership: Benny Garza, Guadalupe “Lupe” Donato, Erlinda Huizar, and Jose Antonio “Tony” Garcia. Their continued dedication to preserving and sharing our region’s rich history helps ensure that the stories of early Texas and the sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten.

Please join us in congratulating Benny and our fellow Esparza descendants as they represent an important chapter of Texas history on a national stage.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/06/2026

June 6, 1944 — D-Day

On this day 82 years ago, Allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most significant military operations in world history. Their courage, sacrifice, and determination helped turn the tide of World War II and secure the freedoms that many enjoy today.

As we remember D-Day, we honor the brave men who faced impossible odds on the shores of France. Their legacy reminds us that freedom is never free and that ordinary individuals can accomplish extraordinary things in the service of a greater cause.

Today, we pause to remember the fallen, to honor and preserve their stories for future generations.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

06/02/2026

As we have been planning the Travis Letter Ceremony for a few months, one of the monumental pieces of the puzzle was delivered today from Bulverde, courtesy of David Spaugh, one of the donors of the piece.

The piece is a raw Limestone landscaping rock that will be used to mount the 2’ x 3’ bronze monument.

Thank you to Commissioner Mark Gillespie and the Precinct #1 crew for their help carefully unloading.

(Photo courtesy of Leigh Ann Gonzales)

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

05/10/2026

The Atascosa County Historical Commission wishes a Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, and Mother figures.

Have a blessed day with family, friends and loved ones!

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

05/09/2026

Save the Date !

Our Annual Battle of Medina Symposium date has been set.

Stay tuned as details are forthcoming. We are currently developing the program with some great presenters and exhibitors once again.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair