embarked on a journey in 1551 to central Mexico

in search of a rumored legendary hill

full of rich mineral deposits. Hoping to find a hill of gold,

he instead stumbled upon a hill of silver.

He had a small crew, but soon many of the Natives came to help with Diego’s conquest.

These were the people of the land, knew the hills and caverns better than the Spanish, and

were fierce workers with unrivaled skill.

These miners discovered a silver crucifix

deep inside one of the new excavated mines. They swore it was a miracle, stopped mining, and decided to build a church on top of that hill

for El Santo Niño de Atocha de Plateros.

Diego was appointed a Justice Major in the city of San Miguel de Culiacán. He was later accused of abusing his power to enslave hundreds of local indigenous Guachichil Indians, an act that removed him from power. Mexico has since become the largest producer of silver worldwide. In recent years, flooding has led Zacatecas to an economic collapse as the mines are impractical to cultivate.

My great grandfather was a highly skilled marksman

familiar with the advantageous hills and secret mines of Zacatecas.

On June 23, 1914, he answered the Revolución’s call

and rallied alongside Pancho Villa in the Battle of Zacatecas, a victory that demoralized

Presidente Victoriano Huerta, which led to his resignation.

Pancho Villa later honored him with a bottle of Mezcal and a silver medal.

They finished the bottle,

commemorated and mourned those that had fallen.