Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Roy Bean, C. S. A.
(1824-1903)
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 9, 2010
1. Roy Bean, C. S. A. Marker
Born in Kentucky. A trader in Mexico, 1848. Mining in New Mexico when Civil War broke out. As spy and scout, joined Texans in the Command of Gen. John R. Baylor during the 1861-1862 Arizona-New Mexico Campaign. Organized irregular company called "Free Rovers". In a narrow canyon, took part in capture of 800 Federals by 250 Confederates. After 1862 was a Confederate freighter, hauling cotton to Matamoros from San Antonio and bringing into Texas wartime goods: guns, ammunition, medicines, cloth, shoes, food.
In 1882, began following with a tent saloon crews building railroad along the Rio Grande. Cooperating with Texas Rangers, was appointed justice of peace - "Law West of the Pecos". Tamed rough frontier town of Langtry, where he spent rest of his life. Won fame in unique court decisions, as in trial and fining of a dead man for carrying a concealed weapon. Most widely celebrated show he staged was Fitzsimmons-Maher world championship boxing match, on a Rio Grande sand bar near his saloon in 1896.
Court was held in the saloon, where he displayed pictures of "The Jersey Lily"--British actress Lily Langtry, whom he never met. She visited town at his invitation, but only after Judge Bean's death. (1965)
Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4376.)
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 29° 21.076′ N, 100° 53.887′ W. Marker is in Del Rio, Texas, in Val Verde County. Marker is on S. Main St. south of E. Duke St., on the left when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk in front of the Old Perry Building at the entrance to the Whitehead Memorial Museum. S. Main St. is one block west of Pecan St., and the museum is approximately one mile south of downtown Del Rio and W. Garfield Street (U.S. Hwy. 277). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1308 S Main St, Del Rio TX 78840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Perry Building (here, next to this marker); Seminole-Negro Scouts (here, next to this marker); Taylor-Rivers House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cassinelli Gin House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mason-Foster House (approx. ¼ mile away); Val Verde Winery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brown Plaza (approx. 0.4 miles away); Canal System of Del Rio (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Del Rio.
Also see . . .
1. Roy Bean. (Submitted on October 2, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 9, 2010
2. Roy Bean, C. S. A. Marker
The marker and signage outside the Whitehead Memorial compound which includes Judge Bean's gravesite.
2. Find a Grave: Roy "Judge" Bean. (Submitted on October 16, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Whitehead Museum; Phantly Roy Bean, Jr. (c. 1825 – March 16, 1903).
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,100 times since then and 54 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
