In Presidio County, Texas, a movement is afoot to restore the original name of a local landmark, currently known as “Elephant Rock,” to its historic moniker, “Cibolo Rock.” Spearheaded by the Big Bend Conservation Alliance and The People of La Junta for Preservation, this initiative seeks to honor the region’s Indigenous heritage and the significant history of the bison, or “cibolo,” that once roamed the area.
“Cibolo Rock” was the name recorded on historic military maps, denoting a major rock formation on Cibolo Creek on the Cibolo Ranch. However, with the construction of a highway and changes in land use, the name was unofficially changed to “Elephant Rock,” a decision that has since been contested by local preservationists and historians.
Christina Hernandez, Founder of The People of La Junta for Preservation, has voiced her concern, stating, “This is how I feel about Cibolo Rock. It hurts to experience erasure… These decisions represent the erasure of my family and my ancestors.” Her sentiments reflect a broader desire within the community to reconnect with and preserve their historical roots.
Supporters of the name restoration argue that “Cibolo,” the Spanish word for buffalo, embodies the essence of Presidio County’s identity, touching on the area’s natural, historical, and cultural dimensions. The name “Cibolo Rock” not only references the indigenous buffalo that shaped the region’s landscape but also commemorates the Indigenous peoples, the Spanish and Mexicans who arrived later, and the subsequent American settlers, all of whom left their mark on this part of Texas.
“The native peoples called it Cibolo Rock. Cibolo is the native word for Buffalo so Buffalo Rock.” – Presidio County Attorney, Cat Lawyer, and Local Historian Rod Ponton
The push for renaming is backed by a detailed research paper titled “Cibolo Rock,” co-authored by Oscar S. Rodriguez of the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, with edits and contributions from Nakaya Flotte, PhD, on behalf of The People of La Junta for Preservation. The partnership has also submitted an application for a subject marker to the Texas Historical Commission, detailing the rich history associated with “Cibolo Rock” and its significance to the local and wider community.
A petition available on Change.org has been initiated to rally public support for the cause, urging the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Presidio County authorities to formally recognize the landmark’s original name. As of February 2024, the campaign has gathered momentum, reflecting a growing awareness and appreciation for the region’s historical legacy.
The efforts to reclaim “Cibolo Rock” underscore the importance of place names in conveying the stories and significance of locations. As this campaign progresses, it represents not just a quest to restore a name but also an opportunity to educate and rekindle a sense of belonging and identity among the residents of Presidio County and beyond.
Additional reporting on this topic:
Petition to rename Elephant Rock sparks controversy – The Big Bend Sentinel
