Enrique Guerra, a 15th-generation Texan, proudly traced his family’s roots back to the Spanish land grants of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The Guerra family settled in Nuevo Santander, present-day Mexico, before moving north and establishing Rancho San Vicente in 1748, in what is now Hidalgo County, Texas. Enrique continued his family’s ranching legacy on this historic land, managing a 48,000-acre ranch.
Guerra was instrumental in the revival of the Texas Longhorn breed, which had nearly disappeared by the 1920s. Recognizing the breed’s historical significance and its suitability for the rugged terrain of South Texas, he embarked on a mission to save it. Over two years, he drove 100,000 miles, searching remote regions of Mexico for purebred Longhorns. He located 69 head of cattle, descendants of the original stock brought by Spanish ranchers. Through his efforts, he reintroduced the breed, preserving its bloodlines despite financial losses, driven by his love for heritage and history.
Beyond ranching, Guerra was an esteemed collector of Texan and Mexican artifacts. His extensive collection, accessible to scholars and institutions, contributed significantly to the understanding of the region’s history.
