Before we met Grady Snell, I had never heard of the Chamal Colony, a small ranching and farming community, located at the base of the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the state of Tamulipas.  Its a bi-cultural community, with a fascinating history.

Settlers from Oklahoma first began arriving in the area in 1903, as in those day, Mexican President Porfirio Diaz allowed foreign citizens to establish small colonies, in order attract much-needed foreign investment and capital into Mexico.  The growth was somewhat curtailed by the Mexican Revolution, which lasted from 1910 to 1920, and forced many of the settlers to abandon their land and return to the United States.  Most remained north, but those who stayed created a unique blend of Mexican and American culture that has been handed down through the generations, and remains strong today.

After the revolution, the land belonging to the settlers who did not return was sold to the locals by the Mexican government.  The settlers who remained worked alongside their Mexican neighbors, married local women, and integrated themselves into the culture and society.  From our visit to Grady's, we noticed the blend of the two cultures even at the dinner table, as tortillas and carne asada are served next to potato salad and fried chicken.

We had the opportunity to sample the fine culture of the Chamal Colony, as we had a wonderful visit with Grady Snell, and his cousins Lindy and Lillian Taylor, all of whom are direct descendents of local settlers.

Photo:  The Chamal Colony, as seen from high in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.

Many of the residents have dual citizenship, that of the United States and Mexico, but they have done their best to assimilate into Mexican society, as they don't want to annoy their neighbors.  Although they are landowners and citizens, they do not run for office.  In fact the "town" of Chamal was disbanded a few years ago and the municipality was disbanded.

The residents of the Chamal Colony are proud of their heritage and proud to be living on the land that was passed on to them from their fathers and grandfathers.  The colony is a remarkable example how two cultures can co-exist together, blend together and produce a unique and beautiful product.  

 

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