Pharr in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Pharr Riot
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 27, 2021
1. The Pharr Riot Marker
On Feb. 6, 1971, a small group gathered outside the Pharr police department to protest incidents of discrimination and brutality. The crowd grew to hundreds and the day turned violent as tensions with law enforcement escalated. During the chaos that became known as the Pharr Riot, a law enforcement officer shot and killed bystander Alfonso Loredo Flores. For several weeks, Union y Fuerza and other groups picketed city hall and boycotted businesses. Events in Pharr received national media attention. In the aftermath, the city's mayor, commissioners, and chief of police resigned. In June 1972, citizens elected their first Mexican American mayor. These important events in Texas' Chicano movement advanced civil rights and political engagement.Erected 2018 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 20119.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1972.
Location. 26° 11.953′ N, 98° 10.986′ W. Marker is in Pharr, Texas, in Hidalgo County. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buell School (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guadalupe Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Pharr City Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Pharr (approx. 0.4 miles away); City of Pharr (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kiwanis Club of Pharr (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pharr Volunteer Fire Department (approx. half a mile away); First Pharr School (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pharr.
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, August 27, 2021
2. The Pharr Riot Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2021, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 355 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 29, 2021, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.
