Laredo in Webb County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Jovita Idar
In 1911, Idar met with other activists in the first Mexican Congress to discuss Civil Rights in Texas. As a result, the League of Mexican Women was formed, with Idar as the group's first president, to offer free education to Mexican children. Idar was highly critical of U.S. intervention during the Mexican Revolution. After she wrote a scathing article about President Woodrow Wilson, Texas Rangers came to Idar's home to destroy La Crónica‘s equipment. Idar stood in her door to refuse their entrance, although the Rangers returned to destroy Idar's presses. She also joined La Cruz Blanca, a medical team that nursed revolutionary soldiers. After moving to San Antonio, Idar established the Democratic Club and a free kindergarten for Mexican American children. Until her death in 1946, Idar was dedicated to improving the lives of Mexicans and Mexican Americans, women and children through her writings and activism.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18154.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Hispanic Americans • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is September 7, 1885.
Location. 27° 30.394′ N, 99° 30.729′ W. Marker is in Laredo, Texas, in Webb County. Marker is at the intersection of Matamoros Street and Main Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Matamoros Street. The marker is located at the southwestern corner of the Saint Peter's Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Laredo TX 78040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. El Primer Congreso Mexicanista (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Post Office and Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laredo World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holding Institute (Laredo Seminary) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jarvis Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Texas Mexican Railway (approx. 0.3 miles away); Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laredo.
Also see . . . Jovita Idár. National Women's History Museum
As a Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist, Jovita Idár often faced dangerous situations. However, she never backed down from a challenge. She single-handedly protected her newspaper headquarters when the Texas Rangers came to shut it down, and crossed the border to serve as a nurse during the Mexican Revolution. Idár bravely fought the injustices in her time.(Submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 873 times since then and 175 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.