Bluetown in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Longoria Cemetery
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 8, 2020
1. Longoria Cemetery Marker
The Longoria family were among the initial Spanish settlers to arrive in this region in the mid-1700s. Juan Rosas Longoria and Maria Salome Cano were among the men and women who founded permanent communities such as the Villa de Reynosa, establishing the Longoria family in the area. They and other pioneers introduced ranching into the area with techniques brought from southern Spain, many of which remained in use centuries later.
In 1831 Irineo Longoria increased the family landholdings north of the Rio Grande by purchasing portions of the Llano Grande, La Feria and Ojo de Agua land grants. He added these tracts to the land of his second wife, Maria Iρez Cavazos. They established residence in the community of Santa Maria. The Longoria ranch stretched from what became Sebastian to the Rio Grande. The family also farmed the land and participated in the early development of irrigation systems in the Rio Grande valley.
Juan Miguel Longoria (1815-1875) became the owner of the Longoria ranch in the mid-1800s. Married three times, he was the father of 17 children. His first wife was Soledad Cavazos. His second wife, Silveria Ruiz, became one of the first persons interred here upon her death before 1853. After his death, Juan Miguel's third wife, Teresa Guerra, became the family matriarch and managed the ranch from 1875
this page online
By the late 1990s, the cemetery was in a state of disrepair. Longoria descendants organized to restore the site and its estimated 371 graves to ensure the endurance of the Longoria Cemetery as a chronicle of the diverse history and heritage of Texas.
Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11681.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Hispanic Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 26° 4.451′ N, 97° 49.491′ W. Marker is in Bluetown, Texas, in Cameron County. It is on Military Highway (State Highway 281), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Maria TX 78592, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Our Lady of Visitation Catholic Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Our Lady of Visitation (approx. 0.8 miles away); Near Routes of Alonso de Leon Expeditions (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Spot Where "American Blood was Shed on American Soil" (approx. 2.7 miles away); El Horcon Tract and Rio Rico (approx. 4.2 miles away);
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 8, 2020
2. Longoria Cemetery Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Longoria Cemetery in Bluetown, Texas
My wife and I visited the Longoria Cemetery on June 11, 2023. We were shocked to find the cemetery in deplorable conditions. Close to the marker, a big tree had fallen on top of some graves, laying on top of some grave markers. The rest of the cemetery has very high weeds and grass, making it almost impossible to go through.
My youngest brother (listed as Juan Rodriguez Sanchez) is buried at the cemetery. He was born July 2, 1949 and passed away August 15, 1950. The big tree that fell barely missed his marker, laying on top of it. I visit him at least once a year and am praying that something can be done about the condition of the cemetery.
Editor's note: As the marker mentions, maintenance has been an issue in the past. Local contacts may be helpful in organizing future maintenance. If you have any updated photos of the cemetery we would be happy to add them to the marker's page.
— Submitted June 20, 2023, by Arturo Sanchez Rodriguez of 
Houston,, Texas.
Photographed by Craig Doda, May 8, 2020
3. Longoria Cemetery Marker
2. Longoria Cemetery Non Profit Foundation
My name is Noe Longoria and I am a descendent of Juan Rosas Longoria and Maria Salome Cano and agree that the cemetery is fallen into disrepair. About ten years ago, me and several uncles spent the day triming trees, bushes and mowing down the weeds. Others contrinute as they can.
Besides family that still lives in the area, we once had a volunteer caretaker who devoted his time tending to the property until he passed. As committed family members age, we were hoping that younger descendents would pick up the torch and run with it. But people are busy these days and we understand.
My Uncle, A.G. Longoria from Dallas, and I are exploring the possibility of establishing a non profit foundation. If descendents near and far cannot donate time, then perhaps they would be willing to donate money for some ambitious improvements we have planned, including brick fencing and an ornate wrought iron entrance, a lawn and perhaps a regular paid maintenance schedule if family doesn't step up. I can be contacted at noe -at- longoria.com Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted July 11, 2023, by Noe Longoria of Campbell, California.
Photographed by Patricia Torres Galvan, September 13, 2025
4. Longoria Cemetery Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,600 times since then and 300 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on September 13, 2025, by Patricia Torres Galvan of Harlingen, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
