On this day in 1977, a group of determined farmworkers embarked on a historic journey known as the Marcha del Campesino, departing from the Our Lady of San Juan Shrine toward Austin – a grueling 440-mile trek. Led by Tony Orendain and the Texas Farm Workers Union (TFWU), these brave individuals marched to advocate for essential farm labor legislation and workers’ rights. Austin state state Rep. Gonzalo Barrientos had agreed to sponsor a farm labor bill, and the marchers intended to see it passed.
The marchers received tremendous support along their route, with communities like Robstown opening their homes and hearts to the cause. Upon reaching Austin, they were met by hundreds of supporters, though their meeting with Governor Dolph Briscoe proved disappointing when he refused to support their proposed bill. However, this setback didn’t deter their spirit – instead, it inspired an even more ambitious journey.
What began as a jest among weary marchers transformed into a bold new mission: a 1,600-mile march from Austin to Washington D.C. to take their petition directly to President Jimmy Carter. The expanded march through the Deep South united civil rights groups and labor organizations, ultimately culminating in a powerful demonstration at the nation’s capital in September 1977.
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