Story of Jacinto Trevino

[ Paredes | Los Palomares de Ojinaga | Los Pinguinos del Norte]
[ Maya y Cantú ^<W36> ]

Jacinto Treviño

The corrido of Jacinto Treviño is one of the most widespread Border corridos in which the hero escapes successfully. According to Americo Paredes, the present version of Jacinto Treviño is made up of two different ballads - the original Jacinto Treviño, which is lost according to Americo Paredes, and the ballad of Igancio Treviño. Ignacio was a Brownsville policeman in 1911 who did battle with the rinches at the White Elephant Saloon. Ignacio barricaded himself in the saloon and after a long shootout with no casualties, a truce was arranged between the city men and the county/state men. Like Jacinto, Ignacio ran across the border to seek refuge.

Jacinto Treviño lived near Los Indios, a few miles upriver from Brownsville. Jacinto was apparently an ordinary hard working ranchero until he ran into trouble with the rinches in 1911. Jacinto's brother was was badly beaten by an Anglo who he worked for. His brother died soon after and Jacinto sought out the Anglo and killed him. He ran across the border putting the Rio Grande between him and the rinches. Meanwhile, the Anglo community of San Benito put up a reward for the capture of Jacinto. A few months into the manhunt, Jacinto's cousin Pablo offered to turn in Jacinto to the Texas Rangers. Pablo was going to lure Jacinto across the border to a certain spot in the brush where the Rangers were going to attack him by surprise. Apparently, Jacinto got to the bushes before the Rangers and ambushed them. The ambush left three men dead including Pablo Treviño, a Ranger, and a deputy. After the ambush Jacinto Treviño crossed back over to the Mexican side and lived to a ripe old age.

< Los Pinguinos del Norte Picture from Music of La Raza, Vol. 1 Record Cover>
< Maya y Cantú Picture Source - W82 >