Laredo in Webb County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Benavides Brothers

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

1. Benavides Brothers Marker

Inscription. Members of a prominent Laredo family, the three Benavides brothers were the descendants of Tomas Sanchez, who founded the city in 1755. Santos (1823-1891) and Refugio Benavides (b. 1824) and their half-brother Cristobal (1839-1904) were best-known for their service in the Confederate Army during the Civil War (1861-1865). Santos commanded a regiment in the 33rd Texas Cavalry and rose to the rank of colonel, the highest rank achieved by a Mexican-American in the Confederate Army. Both Refugio and Cristobal earned the rank of captain. Stationed along the Texas Mexican border, the brothers encountered both bandits and Union forces. In May 1862, they defeated a large raiding party led by Juan Cortina at Carrizo (now Zapata). In March 1864, although their troops were badly outnumbered, they defended Laredo against an army of Texas Unionists. Their victory helped insure continuation of the vital Confederate cotton trade between Texas and Mexico.

The Benavides brothers also distinguished themselves as political, commercial, and social leaders in Laredo. Santos and Cristobal operated one of the city's most prosperous mercantile companies. Santos also served in the state legislature, 1879-1884.

Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 367.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1864.

Location. 27° 30.146′ N, 99° 30.36′ W. Marker is in Laredo, Texas, in Webb County. It is at the intersection of Zaragoza Street and San Agustin Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Zaragoza Street. The marker is located on the eastern section of the San Agustin Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Laredo TX 78040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American Borderlands.

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 walking distance of this marker: Original Site of Villa De Laredo (a few steps from this marker); Laredo Election Riot, 1886 (a few steps from this marker); Capitol, Republic of the Rio Grande (within shouting distance of this marker); The Republic of the Rio Grande (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Augustine Parochial School (within shouting distance of this marker); Leyendecker House (within shouting distance of this marker); Casa Ortiz, 1830 (within shouting distance of this marker); Laredo Telephone Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laredo.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

2. Benavides Brothers Marker

The view of the Benavides Brothers Marker from the San Agustín Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

3. The view of the Benavides Brothers Marker from the San Agustín Plaza

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,370 times since then and 157 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.