Palacios in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
A Scary Night!
| | Hotel Fence Wrap Exhibit Walk | |
Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026
1. A Scary Night! Marker
There was a young African American man named Rueben, reportedly the only Negro in town. He was employed as a porter at the Hotel in the 1910's. One night the Ku Klux Klan came after him there, but they were chased away by a person who recognized them and to whom they owed money. Rueben was kept safe in a small cottage on the outskirts of town for the rest of his days.
Rueben is possibly the furthest person back on the right on the boardwalk, one of the people on the second floor porch, and top row, far left on the stairs.
Erected by Palacios Preservation Association. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights.
Location. 28° 41.968′ N, 96° 12.95′ W. Marker is in Palacios, Texas, in Matagorda County. It is on South Bay Boulevard west of 4th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 408 S Bay Blvd, Palacios TX 77465, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bigger and Better (here, next to this marker); The Strong Arm of the Law (here, next to this marker); Bowling and Books on the Bay (a few steps from this marker); Supporting Our Soldiers
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Palacios Hotel (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026
2. A Scary Night! Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
