San Benito in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

City of San Benito

Photographed By James Hulse, April 18, 2023

1. City of San Benito Marker

Inscription. Founded by an engineer, Col. Sam Robertson, on Gulf Coast Railroad that in 1904 reached this area colonized by Mexico about 1770. First called "Bessie", for child of railroad official B.F. Yoakum, then "Diaz", to honor Mexican president; the present name honors landowner Benjamin Hicks.

Land and water company and sugar company opened here, 1906. Robertson was first postmaster, 1907. School also opened in 1907, with Miss Kate Purvis, teacher.

City was incorporated June 27, 1911: J.M. Breen, mayor; J. Scott Brown, J.H. Haines, commissioners

Erected 1971 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 892.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1911.

Location. 26° 7.902′ N, 97° 37.906′ W. Marker is in San Benito, Texas, in Cameron County. Marker is at the intersection of South Sam Houston Boulevard (State Highway 345) and East Rowson Street on South Sam Houston Boulevard. The marker is located in front of the San Benito Veterans War Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 S Sam Houston Blvd, San Benito TX 78586, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The San Benito Bank and Trust Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct

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line); Water District Building (about 600 feet away); First Methodist Church of San Benito (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic U.S. Post Office (approx. ¼ mile away); San Benito Post Office (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Benedict’s Church (approx. ¼ mile away); All Saints' Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Home of Col. Sam Robertson (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Benito.

Also see . . . San Benito, TX. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed By James Hulse, April 18, 2023

2. City of San Benito Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.