40 Acres In Delano Become Historic Landmark

Site Served As HQ For Cesar Chavez, Farm Workers

DELANO, Calif. -- The "40 Acres" site in Delano has been declared a historic landmark by the Department of Interior.

The place that has served to better the lives of farm workers is now getting something in return. A bronze plaque will commemorate the property’s history.

ABC23 took a trip back in time with Richard Chavez, the brother of the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Monday he said his family never dreamed their headquarters would become a place for future generations to visit.

Richard said he and the National Farm Workers Service Center bought the 40 acres of land in 1966 for $2,700. Once the United Farm Workers Union was established, hundreds of people would come through the building every day for health care and to learn about their rights as farm workers, he said.

Richard said he didn't know about this latest recognition until ABC23 gave him a call last week. He said he was very surprised and honored that the place where his brother first started to fast would be recognized forever. He said this recognition means that Cesar’s efforts were successful.

"40 Acres" is still in operation. All farm worker contracts are administered through the same building, however, their main headquarters have now moved to Keene, where Cesar Chavez is buried.

National Park Service officials said they will help the Chavez family arrange a ceremony for the presentation of the plaque in the months to come.

Richard said this was a perfect opportunity to take a look back and admire how far the farm workers movement has come.