Martínez del Río


The Martínez del Rio family has had a prominent role in Mexican history and culture over the years.

History

Originally from the Spanish region of Cantabria the Martínez del Rio family members mainly reside in Mexico. Prior to its arrival in Mexico, the family was active in trade in Central and South America, and operated out of Panama City. When they arrived in Mexico their name was Martínez Retes and was subsequently modified to its present form.
The family's historic archive contains nearly 60,000 documents which were classified by José Pablo's great grandson Carlos and donated in 2006 by Carlos's daughters to The Center of Mexican History CARSO. The archive contains more than 300 years of family history. The Martínez del Río Archive can be found at the CEHM as "Archivo Martínez del Río - Fondo DCXXIII" and it covers family history from 1569 until 1989.
The Martínez del Río family acquired an interest in the Joaquín Moreno land grant in present-day McLennan County, Texas. Subsequent grants from the Republic of Texas and state of Texas were patented in conflict with the Moreno grant. Resolution of several of these conflicts made it to the Supreme Court of Texas. The family also loaned a significant amount to the government of Ecuador, so that it could pursue its independence from Gran Colombia.

Key family members