Palacios in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Strong Arm of the Law

— Hotel Fence Wrap Exhibit Walk —

Photographed by Dave W, January 31, 2026

1. The Strong Arm of the Law Marker

Inscription.
A fascinating guest was Charlie Siringo (1855-1928), born in Matagorda County, who had worked for Shanghai Pierce when he was young. He was a cowboy-turned detective, lawman, bounty hunter, agent for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and an author. He chased after Billy the Kid, infiltrated Butch Cassidy's gang and was a friend of Wyatt Earp.

In 1913, Siringo was photographed in front of the Hotel with his horses, Rowdy and Pat, and his dog, Eat 'Em Up Jake. Jake would frequently take naps on the very fine carpets next door at the Price-Farwell House at 300 South Bay, which is still here.

Erected by Palacios Preservation Association. (Marker Number 11.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 28° 41.968′ N, 96° 12.947′ 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: A Scary Night! (here, next to this marker); Bowling and Books on the Bay (here, next to this marker); Bigger and Better (here, next

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

to this marker); Supporting Our Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); On the Decline (a few steps from this marker); Then Along Came the Luthers! (a few steps from this marker); Charles and Elsie Luther (a few steps from this marker); The Pleasure Pavilion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palacios.

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. The Strong Arm of the Law 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 18 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.