Langtry in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight
Photographed By Julie Szabo, February 7, 2008
1. Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight Marker
Inscription.
Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight. . In 1896, Judge Roy Bean made national headlines with a unique boxing match held at this site. Robert James Fitzsimmons was to fight James J. Corbett, the heavyweight champion, but the Legislature had outlawed boxing in Texas. While promoters sought a new location for the match, Corbett retired, handing the title to Irishman Peter Maher, who soon agreed to fight Fitzsimmons. Bean arranged for spectators, the press and Texas Rangers to travel by train from El Paso to Langtry, where he held the fight on a sandbar on Mexico's side of the Rio Grande; Texas lawmen had no authority there and Mexico had no law enforcement on hand. Fitzsimmons knocked Maher out in 95 seconds, winning the title.
In 1896, Judge Roy Bean made national headlines with a unique boxing match held at this site. Robert James Fitzsimmons was to fight James J. Corbett, the heavyweight champion, but the Legislature had outlawed boxing in Texas. While promoters sought a new location for the match, Corbett retired, handing the title to Irishman Peter Maher, who soon agreed to fight Fitzsimmons. Bean arranged for spectators, the press and Texas Rangers to travel by train from El Paso to Langtry, where he held the fight on a sandbar on Mexico's side of the Rio Grande; Texas lawmen had no authority there and Mexico had no law enforcement on hand. Fitzsimmons knocked Maher out in 95 seconds, winning the title.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13649.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 29° 48.432′ N, 101° 33.321′ W. Marker is in Langtry, Texas, in Val Verde County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eagle’s Nest (approx. ¼ mile away); Robert Thomas Hill (approx. ¼ mile away); Langtry School
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,428 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
