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The history of Colorado County cannot be told without recognizing the generations of Hispanic families who helped build its communities, establish businesses, serve their neighbors and preserve traditions that continue today.
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, the occasion offers an opportunity to reflect not only on cultural celebrations, but also on the people whose contributions have become part of the county’s history.
In an Oct. 14, 2020 historical account published in The Colorado County Citizen, local historian Sandra C. Thomas traced the county’s Hispanic roots to its earliest European exploration, noting that Spanish was the first European language spoken in the area.
While the Hispanic population remained relatively small until the early 20th century, Mexican families increasingly settled in the county, drawn by opportunities in railroad construction, agriculture and ranching.
The ferti le farmland surrounding Eagle Lake, particularly the Matthews, Calhoun and Eldridge communities, offered employment in cotton, rice, sugar cane, corn and other crops.
Many families made Colorado County their permanent home. Over time, their descendants became business owners, educators, public employees, civic leaders and contributors to nearly every aspect of community life.
FAITH, COMMUNITY SERVICE
Their influence extended well beyond the workplace.
In Eagle Lake, Mexican Catholic families initially traveled to neighboring communities for religious services and sacraments. According to Thomas’ account, Mass was sometimes celebrated in private homes before a Catholic mission was established in Eagle Lake in 1949.
Faith and community service would remain closely connected for generations.
One example was Isidoro “Izzy” Ramirez, a longtime Eagle Lake resident who died in 2020 at age 96.
According to his obituary and historical accounts published in the Eagle Lake Headl ight, Ramirez worked at Struss Auto Supply for 65 years while dedicating much of his life to community service.
A military veteran and Landin.
Boy Scout leader who received the Silver Beaver Award, Ramirez helped establ ish the Mexican American Youth Council (MAYC), an organization that raised scholarship funds for local students.
He was also instrumental in the development of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (now known as Parish of the Nativity Cathol ic Church) and, alongside Mike Duarte, Sr., founded its Men’s Club in 1984.
According to the Parish of the Nativity’s history, the club began with members selling breakfast tacos and coffee, eventually expanding its food offerings with help from women in the community. The proceeds supported parish activities and brought neighbors together.
GENERATIONAL FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES
The spirit of service also found expression in local business.
In Columbus, Maria Inez Tello de Reyna built a lasting legacy through Maria’s Restaurant and Taqueria.
Born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Reyna opened the family business in 1996, sharing her love of cooking with customers who became part of the restaurant’s extended community.
The restaurant grew from a small house near the courthouse to its longtime location on Fannin Street. Reyna later expanded the business to Ellinger.
Following her death in 2021, family members continued operating the restaurant and preserving the recipes and hospitality for which she was known. Today, Maria’s remains family- owned and operated.
In Eagle Lake, Antonio “Tony” Lozano Garcia built a similarly enduring legacy through Taco Tony’s, a restaurant that has served generations of local residents.
Born in Lampazos de Naranjo, Nuevo León, Mexico, Garcia became a familiar figure in Eagle Lake through his business and decades of community involvement.
Beyond the restaurant, he supported the city’s annual fireworks celebration, participated in barbecue competitions and spent more than 20 years as a sponsor and member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and its Trail Ride Committee.
Garcia also worked in masonry sales for 26 years before retiring from Headwaters Inc. in 2011.
He died June 30, 2023, but the business he established remains in the family. Today, Taco Tony’s continues to be operated by his family, preserving a family legacy that has been part of Eagle Lake for decades.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Hispanic leadership has also helped shape local government.
Melissa Landin made history as Eagle Lake’s first Hispanic city manager following the city’s transition to a council- manager form of government in 2020. Landin served until her resignation in 2022.
In a 2021 interview with the Citizen, Landin described the community’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
“Eagle Lake is like a beautiful, handcrafted quilt with a story to tell — made with colorful, cloth pieces all contributing to the masterpiece,” she said.
She emphasized that every part of the community contributes to its shared identity.
That identity is also expressed through traditions passed from one generation to the next.
FAITH BASED DANCE
On Oct. 8, Rice Junior High students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with performances by Danza Guadalupana and San Miguel Archangel dance groups, whose members include students and families from Rice CISD.
The traditional dances, often performed during religious celebrations honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, combine elaborate costumes, rhythmic movement and expressions of faith.
Elaine Suarez, whose children participate in Danza Guadalupanza of Eagle Lake, explained the significance of the performances.
“Every step is a prayer,” she said.
The dancers’ movements represent a spiritual struggle between good and evil, with good ultimately prevailing.
Such traditions remain visible throughout Colorado County, particularly during celebrations honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe each December.
From the fields and railroads of earlier generations to today’s classrooms, businesses, churches and community gatherings, Hispanic families have helped shape the places Colorado County residents call home.
Their history is not separate from the county’s history. It is an essential part of it — a legacy carried forward through families, traditions and continued service to the community.
