Migration from Mexico permanent move

Migration from Mexico permanent move

Written by Pamela Stephenson Sunday, 07 May 2006

Like the pilgrims who fled Europe to settle in America almost 400 years ago, many political refugees fled Mexico in the early twentieth century to seek safety and work. Some found their way to Central Texas by working on the railroad or on the farms of the sparsely settled land.

Although most of the new immigrants planned to return to Mexico when it was safe, few actually did. Families like the Ramos, Riojas, Cantu, Pachecos, and Mercados, to name a few, settled in the Pflugerville area. Angeles (Joe) Ramos’ father came to Texas around 1918, and began working on the railroad at age 14.

According to Joe, one reason very few of these families were landowners is because they never planned to live in Texas permanently.

“My mother and father, up until about 30 years ago . . . were going to go back,” Ramos said. “They never intended to stay.”

However, they did remain in their new homeland. Joe’s mother lived in Pflugerville until her death in April at the age of 93.

Most of the immigrants did not speak English, and few could read or write in either language. Once in Pflugerville though, the parents realized the importance of education for their children to acquire the skills that would change their lives.

They attended what was known as the Mexican School, set up by the government under the separate, but equal educational ruling. The small, two room building was located near the current library on FM 1825/Pecan at 10th Street. Students were required to speak English at all times, even on the playground. Their mostly Anglo teachers spoke little, if any, Spanish.

Joe Ramos and his wife Sulema Riojas attended the Mexican School.

“I had initially . . . thought electricity and the TV were major things that changed our lives,” Joe said, “but, I think learning how to read and write and speak English . . . that was an important factor for me.”

More about the lives of the early Mexican residents will be included in a book being published this fall as part of the Oral History Project of the Friends of the Pflugerville Community Library and its partners. If you can help locate photos of the early Mexican School or other Mexican activities, please contact Mary Hines at the library, 251-9185.

0 Comments