ZAPATA COUNTY, Tex. (KGNS) - The steps of the Zapata County Courthouse stand on land named for a man who gave everything for the cause of independence.

José Antonio de Zapata, a local rancher turned revolutionary, fought for freedom under the Republic of the Rio Grande. His courage and sacrifice shaped this region’s identity and earned him a permanent place in history.

When the Republic of the Rio Grande was born in January 1840, the fight was not just political; it was personal. José Antonio de Zapata, a wealthy rancher turned militia officer, took up arms under the command of Antonio Canales Rosillo to defend northern Mexico and South Texas from centralism.

Assigned a cavalry unit in the fledgling republic’s army, Zapata’s courage showed when he accepted a mission with about 40 men, i

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