San Benito in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Spiderweb Railroad
Photographed by James Hulse, April 18, 2023
1. Spiderweb Railroad Marker
The first phases of the rail line were begun in 1911 under the supervision of Col. Robertson's brother Frank S. Robertson, construction of the feeder rail lines brought trackside loading facilities to the remote farming areas of the valley and assured the continuing development of brushland into irrigated farms. Trains carrying freight and passengers were soon making two round trips daily over routes that eventually stretched 128 miles.
For many years the Spiderweb remained essential to the valley's development as one of the leading agricultural regions of the nation. Traffic on the line declined, however, because of improved roads, motor transportation and more centralized loading facilities. Today the history of the line serves as a reminder of the pioneer farmers and businessmen who were instrumental in the area's early growth
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5010.)
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Location. 26° 8.31′ N, 97° 37.582′ W. Marker is in San Benito, Texas, in Cameron County. It is at the intersection of Sunshine Strip (Business U.S. 77) and North Sam Houston Boulevard (State Highway 345), on the right when traveling west on Sunshine Strip. The marker is located in front of a automobile part business. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 US-77 Bus, San Benito TX 78586, 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 walking distance of this marker: First Presbyterian Church of San Benito (approx. Ό mile away); Home of Col. Sam Robertson (approx. 0.3 miles away); All Saints' Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); San Benito Post Office (approx. 0.3 miles away); The A.C. Purvis House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic U.S. Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Methodist Church of San Benito (approx. 0.4 miles away); Baldemar "Freddy Fender" Garza Huerta (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Benito.
Also see . . .
1. San Benito, TX. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway. Texas
Photographed by James Hulse
2. The view of the Spiderweb Railroad Marker from the street
The San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway Company was chartered on June 28, 1912, as the San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Interurban Railway; the name was changed on August 22, 1912. The company was chartered for the purpose of constructing and operating rail lines in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. The capital was $500,000, and the principal place of business was San Benito.(Submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
