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Leonor Villegas de Magnón y La Cruz Blanca

Hispanic Collections
Leonor and Aracelito Garcia with the flag of La Cruz Blanca, 1914

Leonor and Aracelito Garcia with the flag of La Cruz Blanca, 1914

Leonor Villegas de Magnón earned five medals for her service during the Mexican Revolution.  What makes this unlikely war hero even more remarkable is that much of that service during the war came north of the Rio Grande.  Born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and educated in the United States, Magnón made her life in the U.S. as fighting engulfed the competing factions to the south.  A teacher by trade, her stake in history would come as a journalist and activist in the Mexican Revolution with her formation of La Cruz Blanca.

As the fighting of the Mexican Revolution butted against the border of Texas in the city of Laredo, Magnón crossed the border to help provide medical assistance to the wounded and eventually converted her home and adjoining facilities into a makeshift wartime hospital.  This organization, cobbled together by Magnón in the crucible of war, became known as La Cruz Blanca and provided medical assistance to the wounded regardless of their political leanings.  Despite her attempts at establishing the neutrality of La Cruz Blanca, she still found herself under scrutiny from American army officials wary of violations of neutrality.  Smuggling soldiers in and out for medical care became a danger in and of itself as soldiers caught crossing the border were often detained and taken into custody by the U.S. Army.

Leonor and ladies of Cruz Blanca 1st brigade

Leonor and ladies of Cruz Blanca 1st brigade

The Leonor Villegas de Magnón Papers include original ledgers and documents related to the organization and operation of La Cruz Blanca.  In addition, this collection holds personal documents, writings, photographs, as well as original documents and manuscripts related to her autobiographical work The Lady was a Rebel (or La Rebelde).  Forward-thinking, Magnón handled her own translations, penning both the English and Spanish language tale of her life and the critical role of La Cruz BlancaBoth versions of this novel are published by Arte Público Press.

Do take the time to look through the detailed finding aid to see what other gems might be found and come visit us when you are ready to take a longer look at a truly revolutionary woman.

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