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| About Us |
Jose de Escandon Elementary School first opened its doors on February 19, 1979. It presently serves students in Pre-Kinder through fifth grade, Special Education classes, and the Regional School for the Deaf.
Our school's name originated from a Spaniard, Jose de Escandon, who was born at Soto de Marina in 1700. At the age of fifteen he had left his home and had crossed the Atlantic Ocean bound to Merida, Yucatan; where he immediately enlisted in the Spanish army as a cadet in the Compania de Caballeros Montados Encomenderos of that city.
In 1734, as sargeant major, he received a commission from the inhabitants of San Miguel el Grande authorizing him to head an expedition against the Indians in the territory surrounding that place. On the first three expeditions, Escandon captured four hundred prisoners whom he treated with great consideration, thereby creating in them respect which they never before experienced from Spanish soldiers.
Six years later, he attained the rank of colonel and one year after that he was made Teniente de Capitan General of Sierra Gorda.
On September 3, 1746, he was named lieutenant to the viceroy on the coast of Seno Mexicano, conquistador capitan general and governor of the providence of Nuevo Santander. His reputation was well established in the vicinity of Queretaro where he maintained his headquarters for twenty years, married into a prominent family and acquired the foundation of a fortune. He organized his expedition for the subjugation and formation of the colonies of Nuevo Santander.
His success in the subjugation of the Indians helped the barbarous tribes eventually organize into military groups and become soldiers of the Spanish King. He became so highly respected, admired, and loved that he became known as "El Conde de Sierra Gorda."
Although the story of Jose de Escandon's work in the province of Nuevo Santander is one which has not heretofore been emphasized in the history of Texas, his work is a very fundamental part of the beginning of the Rio Grande Valley. His work has never been equated since, although the Valley is in itself a true monument to the efforts of Anglo-American colonizers of the first quarter of the present century.
As a result of many bitter encounters, due to the lack of justice by his superiors, Escandon became disillusioned, discontent, and sick. He died on September 10, 1770, in Queretaro, Mexico.
School Colors: Blue and Gold
Mascot: Eagle
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| | 2901 Colbath · McAllen, Texas 78501 · Phone: (956) 971-4511 · Fax: (956) 971-4508 |
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