The Aftermath of the Salt Wars

A mob exacts revenge on a Texas lawyer.

December 13-18, 1877. The bulk of the war over salt lakes southeast of El Paso, near San Elizario. For decades (if not longer), Mexican residents have considered the salt to be a community asset; they collect it freely. But in the summer of 1877, lawyer Charles Howard (picture) files claim on it for his father-in-law. That sparks violence–highlighted by Howard’s killing of Mexican leader/politician Luis Cardis. Howard, who has wisely left the area, returns in December to press his claim in court. A mob later kills him.