Peñitas Cemetery
Peñitas, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in 1836, the Peñitas Cemetery served the settlers of the historic settlement of Peñitas. The earliest documented internment was in 1894 for Antonio Zamora who died at age 40, although earlier unmarked burials are likely present. Other marked burials include pioneer families who arrived in the area in the 1800s as well as veterans of foreign and domestic wars. Two Civil War veterans who fought for the Union are buried here: Private Jose Maria Loya (d. 1900) and Sergeant Ignacio Zamora (d. 1917). The cemetery features marble and granite tombstones, homemade crosses and religious statues. Maintained by residents, the Peñitas Cemetery is a tangible reminder of the area’s heritage. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2016
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established in 1836, Peñitas Cemetery served the settlers of one of the Rio Grande Valley's historic communities, with its earliest marked grave dating to 1894 and older unmarked burials likely beneath. Among those resting here are two Tejano Union veterans of the Civil War — Private José María Loya and Sergeant Ignacio Zamora — alongside pioneer families and veterans of other wars. Marble tombstones, homemade crosses, and religious statues mark the graves, still tended by residents.
Why it matters
The cemetery preserves the layered heritage of the Mexican-American borderlands, including Tejanos who fought for the Union in a Civil War far from the Rio Grande.
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Related people
- · Antonio Zamora
- · José María Loya
- · Ignacio Zamora
Themes & tags
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