Near Kenedy in Karnes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Gregorio Cortez
Photographed by Larry D. Moore, August 11, 2018
1. Gregorio Cortez Marker
Inscription.
Gregorio Cortez. . On June 12, 1901, Sheriff W.T. "Brack” Morris and deputy arrived at the Thulemeyer Ranch to question Gregorio Cortez (1875-1916) about a reported horse theft in Atascosa County. A shootout ensued, leaving Sheriff Morris dead. Cortez fled the scene. During the manhunt, a Gonzales County sheriff was shot and killed. Cortez was captured June 22, 1901, and tried amongst an all-Anglo jury. He was found not guilty by reason of self-defense in the death of Sheriff Morris and convicted and sentenced to life for the murder of the Gonzales Co. sheriff. Efforts by his supporters led to a conditional pardon by Gov. O.B. Colquitt in 1913. Many have since regarded Cortez as a folk hero, perpetuated in "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez."
On June 12, 1901, Sheriff W.T. "Brack” Morris and deputy arrived at the Thulemeyer Ranch to question Gregorio Cortez (1875-1916) about a reported horse theft in Atascosa County. A shootout ensued, leaving Sheriff Morris dead. Cortez fled the scene. During the manhunt, a Gonzales County sheriff was shot and killed. Cortez was captured June 22, 1901, and tried amongst an all-Anglo jury. He was found not guilty by reason of self-defense in the death of Sheriff Morris and convicted and sentenced to life for the murder of the Gonzales Co. sheriff. Efforts by his supporters led to a conditional pardon by Gov. O.B. Colquitt in 1913. Many have since regarded Cortez as a folk hero, perpetuated in "The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez."
Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18233.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is June 12, 1901.
Location. 28° 47.39′ N, 97° 58.62′ W. Marker is near Kenedy, Texas, in Karnes County. It is on Farm to Market Road 626 0.1 miles south of Farm to Market Road 2102, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kenedy TX 78119, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,050 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
