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
Inscription.
The Pharr Riot. . 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.
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. It is at the intersection of North Cage Boulevard and East Bell Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Cage Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 424 N Cage Blvd, Pharr TX 78577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
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
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 1,978 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 29, 2021, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.
