Atascosa County Historical Commission

12/13/2024

December 12, 2024 has been proclaimed PFC Johnnie W. Flores Day by Official Proclamation. Judge Cude signed the document in the presence of the nieces and nephews of PFC Flores. Flores was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge on December 12, 1944 near the Belgium/German border.

We thank the family of PFC Flores for attending today. The sacrifices of our heroes will never be forgotten.

https://www.pleasantonexpress.com/articles/remembering-johnnie-w-flores-80-years-later/

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

12/11/2024

History in the making down in Poteet, Texas !

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

I didn’t quite know what I was going to see as I accepted Pat West and Joanna Garcia’s invitation to their farm to see something never before seen in the State of Texas. As we approached their farm’s front gate and drove in slowly, Pat and Joanna sat on the porch of their office in their rocki...

12/07/2024

On December 7, 1941, the tranquility of a Sunday morning was shattered as Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault, swift and brutal, claimed the lives of over 2,400 Americans and left a nation in mourning.

As smoke rose from the wreckage, the course of history was altered forever. That day marked the beginning of the United States' entry into World War II, uniting the country in resolve and purpose.

Pearl Harbor Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made, the lives lost, and the resilience that followed. It stands as a moment of reflection, not just for those who fought and died, but for the enduring spirit of a nation that emerged from tragedy to shape the world. Each year, we pause to honor the memory of the fallen, the courage of the survivors, and the unbreakable strength of those who stood together in the face of darkness.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

12/01/2024

The ACHC is ready to celebrate Christmas ! We put up our annual “History” Christmas Tree at the Courthouse, adorned with the local history ornaments.
We also participated in the joint effort with the Longhorn Museum at the Pleasanton River Park to decorate a tree, to be lit next week.
These are annual traditions we look forward to each year and we hope you go by and visit these decorative pieces. We thank our volunteers for their time and craftsmanship.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

11/28/2024

As we gather together this Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and trust of our wonderful community.
Wishing you all a season filled with peace, gratitude, and joy. May your hearts be as full as your plates. Happy Thanksgiving!

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

11/23/2024

We had the privilege to participate in Lytle Jr High’s History Day once again today. For the first time, we had 3 stations representing the ACHC. We appreciate our volunteers; David Emery, Eric Morrell, Morris and Lana Cowley.
Thank you to Lytle History Teacher Mr. Jerrod Cavazos for organizing this annual event and to the Lytle ISD Faculty and students for their warm hospitality.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

11/08/2024

Apparently, Pleasanton and Atascosa County suffered through a flood in October of 1913. The photographed locations are labeled by the unknown photographer. All of these landmarks and locations are no longer standing but some of you may know what stands in It’s place today.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

10/31/2024

Tomorrow afternoon from 4:00- 6:00 pm, we’ll be at Fairy Tale Books, LLC with the Arcadia Publishing book on Atascosa County History. I look forward to seeing you there !

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

10/26/2024

In the month of October, we have dedicated 3 Historical Markers ! We’re fortunate to have 1-2 a year but 3 in a month is an amazing feat. The new markers are:

Peanut Farming at Wilco Peanut Company in Pleasanton
Rancho Del Atascoso at the Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds in Poteet
Historic Cemetery Medallion at San Ysidro/Bonita Creek Cemetery in Pleasanton

The topics covered were a broad difference from each other but all of them were a very vital part of Atascosa County History nonetheless. We are proud of these new installations and hope you are too !

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair

10/20/2024

On October 19, 2024 we celebrated the dedication of a Historical Marker for El Rancho Del Atascoso and the 20th Anniversary of the Camino Real’s recognition as a National Trail by the National Parks Service.
The ceremony was held at the Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds. This location sits on the original Navarro Survey, which prior to the Navarro Ranch, it was a portion of the Rancho Del Atascoso, a Mission Ranch of Mission San Jose in the 1700’s.
This historical marker, the Camino Real Markers (the pink granite stones you see along the highways), the upcoming Camino Real street signs and the America 250 Marker at the Courthouse tie together a very influential story about our history.
Our role in the Revolutionary War included providing aid in the form of beef and livestock. Without these mission ranches throughout Texas and the Camino Real, the providing of aid would not have been possible.
Thank you to the presenters; Morris Cowley, Chris Lopez, Commissioner Eliseo Perez, Sandy Salinas and Pastor Mitch Garcia.
We appreciate the set up and hospitality by the Strawberry Festival Association Staff; Tina Elkins, Brent Carson, Bobby and Denise Martinez, Jen Bonomo and President Chris Lopez.

The Historical Marker was installed by Commissioner Mark Gillespie’s Pct 1 Road Crew, we always appreciate these hard working individuals.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

10/11/2024

Today, another historical marker went up in the county. This one will remember the Peanut Industry and Farming in Atascosa County. Most don’t realize but the peanut was once king of the crop and today is still a vital part of our farming heritage. Without this industry, Atascosa County would not be where it is today. This marker will forever serve as a dedication and reminder of all who worked, farmed and contributed to the Peanut Industry.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC. Chairman

10/03/2024

Historical Markers take a lot of behind the scenes activity. One of these such activities is the installation of the markers themselves. A very special moment of recognition needs to be given to the Atascosa County Pct 1 Crew of Commissioner Mark Gillespie. This week Precinct Foreman Sammy Davidson, Chad Bostel and Tim Gould went out and had our marker poles installed as we approach the Historical Marker ceremonies.
Not only in this instance but this crew is always on the move in their precinct and beyond. They do a lot to help us at our building in Leming and this action is not unnoticed.
So, from the Atascosa County Historical Commission, we extend our warmest appreciation to the Precinct 1 Crew for your dedication.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

10/03/2024

Please join us at the Annual State of the County Event on October 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm. This is an important event that recognizes Atascosa County’s past with the necessary planning for a great future.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chairman

09/20/2024

This really is a lot of fun for families, individuals, friends, relatives, and everyone! Come on out and enjoy stepping back in history and seeing it live before your eyes.

It’s that time of year 🥳 to go back to the Longhorn Museum 30th annual Yesteryear Festival. This is a FREE family-friendly event.

🗓️ October 5
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 1959 Hwy. 97, Pleasanton

There’s going to be free refreshments with demonstrations from the past including but not limited to leather tooling, Mobile Dairy Class @ 10:30 a.m., basics of loom beading, printing press and so much more!

09/16/2024

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, I’d like to share a publication that interests people of all ethnicities and walks of life here in America. This book helped recognize our common patriotism.
The involvement of this region’s ranchers is said perfectly with a marker we dedicated at the Atascosa County Courthouse in April of 2023, the America 250 Marker courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
I am forever grateful to the research of Judge Thonhoff and the book’s author, our good friend Jesse Villarreal.

Martin Gonzales
ACHC Chair