Historic Ranch to receive Undertold Historical Marker

The Texas Historical Commission website explains that Undertold Historical Markers are intended to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics, and proactively document significant underrepresented or untold stories. The Texas Historical Commission received 54 applications for Undertold Historical Markers throughout the state. Sixteen applicants were approved. One of them, the only one in Hays County, is the Alba Ranch, home to one of the earliest established Hispanic families in the Dripping Springs area.

In April 2019, County Judge Ruben Becerra signed an order authorizing the placement of the historical marker on County Road 187 in Dripping Springs, the area that was formerly known as the Alba Ranch. Then, in October of 2019, the County Commissioners supported a resolution for the former Alba Ranch to be formally recognized with the Texas Historical Commission’s Undertold Marker Designation. “As the first Hispanic Hays County Judge, I am proud to have had a small part of this process to support one of the first Hispanic families in Hays County.” Judge Becerra said. “Stories like these are all too often undertold.”

Gina Alba Rogers, a descendant of the Alba Ranch patriarch, Victoriano Alba, has worked tirelessly for the last two years to have a marker placed at the location of the original 160 acre ranch; which was purchased for $425 in 1900 in Dripping Springs. “The Alba family has deep roots in Texas history and Hispanic culture. Victoriano and his descendants overcame adversity, heartache and language barriers to become successful and respected landowners.”

Among the contributions Victoriano’s descendants gave to Dripping Springs’ residents include conveying two acres for school purposes to the patrons of the Millseat School in 1916. Their family was the kernel of what would become the present vibrant 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. The Alba family include university graduates, teachers, members of the military, business owners, and the first Hispanic member of the Dripping Springs City Council. In 2005 the ranch ended over a century of ownership by four generations of the Alba family.