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Langtry in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
 

The Torres Family

 
 
The Torres Family Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Julie Szabo, February 7, 2008
1. The Torres Family Marker
Inscription. In the 1870-80s, brothers Cesario, Bernardo and Juan Torres were prominent west Texas citizens due to their irrigation work in the region. For work out west, Bernardo received land in Val Verde County at the Rio Grande - Pecos River confluence. His land was chosen as the route of the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio rail line. After Bernardo's death in 1882, Cesario acquired the land, established the 7D ranch and gave land for the railroad tracks and depot. His son, Jesus Pablo "J. P." Torres, was reportedly the first permanent resident of Langtry, then called Eagle's Nest. J.P. was also Val Verde County's first Hispanic elected official. He and his rival Roy Bean alternately served as Justices of the Peace in the 1890s.
 
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12987.)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & PoliticsHispanic AmericansRailroads & StreetcarsSettlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
 
Location. 29° 48.51′ N, 101° 33.556′ W. Marker is in Langtry, Texas, in Val Verde County. It is on Torres Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Langtry TX 78871, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country. 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
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markers are within walking distance of this marker: William H. Dodd (within shouting distance of this marker); Langtry (within shouting distance of this marker); Langtry School (within shouting distance of this marker); Jersey Lily Saloon - - 1882 - 1903 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Law West of the Pecos (about 500 feet away); Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight (approx. Ό mile away); Robert Thomas Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); Eagle’s Nest (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Langtry.
 
The Torres house ruins and Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Julie Szabo, February 7, 2008
2. The Torres house ruins and Marker
The Torres house ruins image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Julie Szabo, February 7, 2008
3. The Torres house ruins
The Torres Family Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by William F Haenn, January 31, 2024
4. The Torres Family Marker
Marker and Torres home in 2024.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 4,554 times since then and 202 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida.   4. submitted on February 8, 2024, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 10, 2026