A Mexican railroad brakeman who became an unlikely hero after being mistakenly identified as the bandit Billy the Kid, leading to a legendary folk song. He's a symbol of mistaken identity and folklore.
Jess Garca was born on November 13, 1881, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He was one of eight children and began working with the Moctezuma Copper Company at the age of 17, initially as a waterboy due to his young age. He worked his way up the ranks, becoming a switchman, then a brakeman, and eventually a fireman.
On November 7, 1907, Garca was the brakeman on the train that covered the line between Nacozari, Sonora, and Douglas, Arizona. While the train was stopped in Nacozari, Garca noticed that some hay on the roof of a car containing dynamite had caught fire, likely due to sparks from the locomotive's smokestack. Without hesitation, he drove the train in reverse downhill at full steam, six kilometers out of the town, before the dynamite exploded, killing him in the process.
In recognition of his heroic act, a statue was raised in his honor, and the town of Nacozari was renamed Nacozari de Garca. He was declared Hero of Humanity by the American Red Cross, and many streets in Mexico carry his name. The Estadio Héroe de Nacozari sports stadium in Hermosillo is also named after him. Every year on November 7, Mexican railroad workers commemorate "DÃa del Ferrocarrilero" (Railroaders' Day) in his honor.
Garca's sacrifice has been immortalized in the corrido ballad "Máquina 501," sung by Pancho el Charro Avitia. Additionally, the ballad "Jesús GarcÃa" by Dolan Ellis, Arizona's official balladeer, tells the story of Garca's heroism.
Jess Garca's heroism has inspired generations of Mexicans, and his legacy continues to be felt today. He serves as a symbol of selflessness and bravery, reminding us of the importance of putting the needs of others before our own.
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