San Elizario Salt War

By saltwar1877
  • San Elizario, Socorro and Ysleta become American towns. The people retain ownership of the lakes.

    San Elizario, Socorro and Ysleta become American towns. The people retain ownership of the lakes.

  • Mexican-American War

    Mexican-American War

    The Treaty of Guadalupe gave the United States the responsibility of controlling and enforcing their laws onto the land. This happened after the Mexican-American War.

  • El Paso County’s Tejanos rise up against Sibley’s retreating Confederates.

  • The Texas State Constitution allows private ownership of mineral deposits. Anglo politicians and capitalists begin years of vicious in-fighting for control of the county and its salt lakes.

    The Texas State Constitution allows private ownership of mineral deposits. Anglo politicians and capitalists begin years of vicious in-fighting for control of the county and its salt lakes.

  • Austin capitalist George B. Zimpelman and his agent, son-in-law Charles Howard, lay claim to the salt lakes and demand that the people pay for their salt.

  • About 200 Tejano insurgents seize Howard and force him to sign away Zimpelman’s salt rights.

    About 200 Tejano insurgents seize Howard and force him to sign away Zimpelman’s salt rights.

  • Howard shotguns Louis Cardis, the Tejanos’ political champion.

  • Insurgent leader Leon Granillo defies Howard by leading a wagon train of Tejano salt gatherers to the lakes.

  • Frontier Battalion commander Maj. John B. Jones puts Lt. John B. Tays in charge of a ragtag new Texas Ranger detachment.

  • Howard unwisely returns to San Elizario to press his claim in court.

    Howard unwisely returns to San Elizario to press his claim in court.

  • More than 600 Tejanos and Mexican citizens under Francisco “Chico” Barela lay siege to the Texas Rangers protecting Howard.

  • Howard gives himself up, and the Texas Rangers are also tricked into surrendering.

    Howard gives himself up, and the Texas Rangers are also tricked into surrendering.

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