Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana in Texas City

In the 1870s native Tejanos organized "Sociedades Mutualistas," mutual aid societies designed to protect their interests from the growing Anglo population of Texas. Although most of the early settlers of this area were of English, French, and German descent, increasing numbers of Mexican immigrants arrived in 1893 when construction began on the city's port facilities. In 1910 the Texas City census revealed a significant Hispanic populace. In March 1914, under the auspices of Texas City's Mexican consulate, the community established "Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana" (Mexican Mutual Aid Society), a descendant of the "Sociedades Mutualistas." Members were offered such services as legal aid, refuge from discrimination and economic deprivation, social and cultural activities, financial loans, libraries, sickness and burial insurance, and adult education. The society's motto was "Union, Paz, y Trabajo" (Union, Peace, and Work). While cities such as San Antonio and Corpus Christi had several societies, the memberships of which were mostly male with a few female auxiliaries, Texas City had only one. Most "sociedades" in Texas lasted until the Depression era. Descendants of the "Sociedad" in Texas City include the "Comision Honorifica Mexicana" (Honorable Mexican Commission) of the 1920s and 1930s and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), still strong in 1998. While LULAC is a civil rights-based organization, the "Sociedad" was primarily a labor rights group. The "Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana" was a significant element of Texas City's labor and industrial history. (1998)

Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana in Texas City is a historical marker in Texas City, Galveston County, dedicated in 1998. It is one of 281 historical markers documented in Galveston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 352 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3885, -94.9024 near Texas City. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Methodist Church of Texas City (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Moore, Col. Hugh B. and Helen, House, Davison, Frank B., House, and Davison Home.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5167011890. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.