San Diego in Duval County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
El Plan de San Diego
Photographed by Dave W, November 22, 2025
1. El Plan de San Diego Marker
On January 6, 1915, nine men of Mexican descent met in San Diego, seat of Duval County, and signed El Plan de San Diego, a manifesto calling for political insurrection in response to contemporary social and political events. The proposed rebellion also had international implications, significantly impacting the Mexican revolution and American preparedness for World War I.
El Plan de San Diego called for Mexican Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Japanese Americans to rise in arms throughout the American Southwest on February 20, 1915, using force to separate Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and California from the U.S. and establish a new nation. Deodoro Guerra, an Hidalgo County merchant, became aware of the plan on January 24, when Basilio Ramos Jr., a signer of the document, attempted to recruit Guerra to join the uprising. Guerra sent word to Hidalgo County law enforcement officials, who arrested Ramos.
Newspaper accounts of the proposed revolt appeared throughout the nation, causing panic and fear to spread. Though nothing happened on February 20, near-daily raids occurred in July in
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Historians attribute the turmoil from El Plan de San Diego and its period in history to political upheaval and maneuvers from leaders of the Mexican revolution, efforts of Axis powers to keep the U.S. out of WWI, and longstanding ethnic and cultural conflicts between original south Texas settlers of Mexican descent and newcomers.
Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18319.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Law Enforcement • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1915.
Location. 27° 45.65′ N, 98° 14.314′ W. Marker is in San Diego, Texas, in Duval County. It is at the intersection of East Saint Peters Avenue and S Mier Street, on the left when traveling
Photographed by Dave W, November 22, 2025
2. El Plan de San Diego Marker
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. 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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Duval County (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Duval County (approx. Ό mile away); San Diego City Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Jim Wells County (approx. 9½ miles away); Alice Cemetery (approx. 10 miles away); McGill Brothers Building (approx. 10.1 miles away); Jose de Escandon (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
Also see . . . The Plan of San Diego: A Revolutionary Movement in Early 20th Century Texas - TSHA.
With the outbreak of revolution in northern Mexico in 1910, federal authorities and officials of the state of Texas feared that the violence and disorder might spill over into the Rio Grande valley. The Mexican and Mexican-American populations residing in the Valley far outnumbered the Anglo population.(Submitted on November 23, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2025, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
