09/09/2026
It was a bit warm but a great morning at Rancho de las Cabras as part of the World Heritage Festival sponsored by the National Park Service’s San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
It was a collaborative affair alongside the Canary Islands Descendants Association. Also joining us were Diane and Margo from the San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants. We were also blessed to have direct descendants of the Canary Islanders including a descendant of Ygnacio Calvillo, the one time owner of Rancho de las Cabras—Eric Cadena.
Rangers Andrew and Kat shared a little history and some archaeological information about the Rancho.
Anthony Delgado, Chair, Wilson County Historical Commission and Chair, Education Committee of the Canary Islands Descendants Association shared highlights about the Rancho and its connection to the Canary Islander families. He also shared tidbits about other Wilson County historical sites including the other two mission ranchos—Pataguilla and Paistle.
Dr Melinda Creech, Vice-Chair, Wilson County Historial Commission, recited her ballad to Maria Del Carmen Calvillo, who once owned Rancho de las Cabras.
Dr Richard Nimz, Historical Commission member, passed out a “Dial-a-Story” brochure from the Wilson County Public libraries that offers 8 stories from the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s “Texas Before The Alamo” book.
Historical Commission member Steve Raabe shared historical facts about the Rancho, Ygnacii Calvillo, and other historical aspects of that area of Wilson County.
The NPS opens Rancho de las Cabras the first Saturday of each month starting in October until March. The rancho is a gem and a treasure for Wilson County.
