Staff report
Alba Ranch — home to one of the earliest established Hispanic families in the Dripping Springs area — is getting a historical marker.
The area where the ranch was located and the family of patriarch Victoriano Alba lived was one of 16 approved by the Texas Historical Commission for a marker as an “undertold” historical site. Fifty-four applications for the markers were received from across the state.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra signed an order in April of last year for the marker to be placed.
Then in October, Becerra and the Commissioners Court voted to support a resolution. “As the first Hispanic Hays County Judge, I am proud to have had a small part in this process to support one of the first Hispanic families in Hays County,” Becerra said. “Stories like this are too often undertold.”
The designation was largely due to the efforts of Gina Alba Rogers, a descendent of Victoriano Alba.
Members of the family went on to become university graduates, teachers, members of the military, business owners and the first Hispanic member of the Dripping Springs City Council.
The original 160-acre ranch was purchased for $145 in 1900 and was owned by four generations of the Alba family until it was sold in 2005.
“The Alba family has deep roots in Texas history and hispanic culture,” Becerra said. “Victoriano and his descendants overcame adversity, heartache and language barriers to become successful and respected landowners.”
The family’s contributions to Dripping Springs have included conveying two areas for school purposes to the patrons of the Millseat School in 1916. The family was the kernel of what would become the present parish of St. Martin de Porres Church which had its beginnings on the Alba Ranch and where local Catholics met in a space furnished with pews and a podium for a visiting priest to conduct Mass.
No date has yet been announced for the marker to be placed.
