Gilberto Luna was a pioneer, farmer, and diplomat. He farmed the region around the usually dry Alamo Creek, where he built this jacal (pronounced ha-CALL). During the early years, Alamo Creek was the path used by raiding Comanches to attack Mexican villages and settlements. Luna managed to maintain peaceful relations with the Comanches and his fellow Mexicans. He raised a large family in this jacal before dying in 1947, at the age of 108. The Old Maverick Road winds along much of Luna's old farm and passes right by his jacal, a testament to the hardiness and determination of Big Bend's early settlers.
Luna's Jacal, BB01-308-1A, Big Bend National Park, Texas | ©2001 Jeff Blaylock.
I had seen Luna's Jacal in 1996 and was looking forward to seeing it again last week while I was out at Big Bend but was unable to locate it on the Old Maverick Road. Is it still there?
Jeff replies, yes, it's still there. I wonder how you missed it. Some of the grand scenery which Sr. Luna saw every day must have distracted you. There is an interpretive sign and gravel parking area beside it.
my husband is a grandson of Gilberto Luna, his mother was Catalina Luna, I'm working on our family tree same as the others, We meet Demencio Luna, my husband uncle son of Bonifacia Luna, living still at Alpine, Texas. We will love to find out were Gilberto Luna his grandfather was born atand were was him before coming to el Jacal at Big Bend National Park? Any information? Cloti, California.
I was following up on my family tree, when I came across this website. I have visited the Big Bend area for many years, and my mother, Petra Luna Pisana, has spoken of her grandfather Gilberto Luna. My great-grandmother had children with Gilberto. Her name is Gonificia Luna, and my grandmother was Angelita Luna. I appreciate this website because it has loads of information relating to family that I did not know I had. Feel free to correspond by email, at caps01@yahoo.com
Thanks
Rosie Capers
Wasilla Alaska
Jeff,
I think I need to introduce myself I am Debbie Luna and I am Gilberto's Great-Granddaughter. I found your website threw my brother Jesse. My father and I would like to thank you for picturing our Heritage on your website. My Grandfather Miguel Luna Sr. also resided in the Jacal house along with my grandmother Leandra Luna (God rest her soul she past away July 1, 2005). I know if my Grandparents were still here they would really appreciate you.
Again Thank You,
Los Luna's
I have visted your Big Bend website and I have not seen this picture. This could capture alot of history in your Big Bend Brochure. The Jacal looks well maintained.