History
In 1794, Julian and Ventura Flores were both granted eight leagues of land called "San Diego de Arriba" and "San Diego de Abajo". These grants were surveyed in 1806 by Jose Faustino Contreras, the Surveyor General of San Luis Potosi.7 As early as 1815 herdsmen for Julian Flores occupied the ranch San Diego. Juan Saenz testified in an 1860 court case that he was born in that ranch in that year. General Zachary Taylor is said to have made camp at the trading post of San Diego in 1845.8In the year 1848, "Colonel Kinney" of Corpus Christi, Texas established an easy to follow route form Corpus Christi to Laredo, Texas by fastening a plow to the end of a wagon to turn the turf. The route closely followed the "San Diego Creek" from its mouth to the site of San Diego before turning southward. This route was preferred by travelers and early settlers because the San diego Creek provided water for them as well as for their stock.9 It was in the year of 1848 that the first settlement in present day Duval County was founded. [Read more]
Postmasters & Post Offices, 1873-1930
Historical Markers
1 Courthouse7 Historical Markers
8 records
Barronena Ranch: Marker # 309
Marker Title: Barronena Ranch
City: Freer
Year Marker Erected:1989
Marker Location:27 miles south of Freer State Highway 16 *The marker is not visible on the highway - it may be plated at the ranchhouse, which is not accessible.
Marker Text:The Barronena Ranch is an important reminder of early South Texas ranching. Named for a creek (now called Los Machos) which traverses the property, the ranch was part of a larger tract owned by Diego Hinojosa, who received a grant of five leagues from the Republic of Mexico. In 1856, Hinojosa received a state of Texas patent for 2237 acres of this land. James O. Luby (1846-1932) later owned a part of the ranch. a native of England and a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, Luby became the first county judge of Duval County in 1876. Barronena Ranch was purchased by J. M. Bennett (1831-1920) in 1905 and has remained in the Bennett family since that time. The nucleus of the ranch is a 19th century adobe house, reportedly a stage stop between Goliad and Laredo. Other structures include a native rock water trough and storage tank; a native rock wall more than one mile long; remains of a dipping vat and smokehouse; and rock foundations of other buildings, including a blacksmith shop. Richard King, grandson of the founder of the King Ranch, leased the Barronena Ranch in the 1920s. Santa Gertrudis cattle, developed by the King Ranch
Marker Title: Barronena Ranch
City: Freer
Year Marker Erected:1989
Marker Location:27 miles south of Freer State Highway 16 *The marker is not visible on the highway - it may be plated at the ranchhouse, which is not accessible.
Marker Text:The Barronena Ranch is an important reminder of early South Texas ranching. Named for a creek (now called Los Machos) which traverses the property, the ranch was part of a larger tract owned by Diego Hinojosa, who received a grant of five leagues from the Republic of Mexico. In 1856, Hinojosa received a state of Texas patent for 2237 acres of this land. James O. Luby (1846-1932) later owned a part of the ranch. a native of England and a Confederate veteran of the Civil War, Luby became the first county judge of Duval County in 1876. Barronena Ranch was purchased by J. M. Bennett (1831-1920) in 1905 and has remained in the Bennett family since that time. The nucleus of the ranch is a 19th century adobe house, reportedly a stage stop between Goliad and Laredo. Other structures include a native rock water trough and storage tank; a native rock wall more than one mile long; remains of a dipping vat and smokehouse; and rock foundations of other buildings, including a blacksmith shop. Richard King, grandson of the founder of the King Ranch, leased the Barronena Ranch in the 1920s. Santa Gertrudis cattle, developed by the King Ranch
Duval County - San Diego
Marker # 1308
Marker Title: Duval County
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1996
Marker Location: 404 E. Gravis, San Diego
Marker Text: Created by the Texas Legislature in 1858 and organized in 1879, Duval County played an important role in the economic and political development of South Texas. Early settlers came to this area in the mid-19th century from Mexico, and Anglo pioneers began arriving in the 1860s. The early economy was based on ranching and agriculture. In the late 1870s the railroad brought increased employment and population to the county. The discovery of oil, gas, and uranium in the early 1900s boosted the economy and caused increased settlement in the region. (1996)
Marker # 1308
Marker Title: Duval County
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1996
Marker Location: 404 E. Gravis, San Diego
Marker Text: Created by the Texas Legislature in 1858 and organized in 1879, Duval County played an important role in the economic and political development of South Texas. Early settlers came to this area in the mid-19th century from Mexico, and Anglo pioneers began arriving in the 1860s. The early economy was based on ranching and agriculture. In the late 1870s the railroad brought increased employment and population to the county. The discovery of oil, gas, and uranium in the early 1900s boosted the economy and caused increased settlement in the region. (1996)
Duval County Marker Number:1309
Marker Title: Duval County
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: On steps of courthouse in San Diego
Marker Text: Created February 1, 1858, organized November 7, 1876. Named in honor of Burr H. Duval, 1809-1836. Captain of a company of Fannin's command at Goliad. Murdered after the surrender March 27, 1836. San Diego, the county seat.
Marker Title: Duval County
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: On steps of courthouse in San Diego
Marker Text: Created February 1, 1858, organized November 7, 1876. Named in honor of Burr H. Duval, 1809-1836. Captain of a company of Fannin's command at Goliad. Murdered after the surrender March 27, 1836. San Diego, the county seat.
Duval County Courthouse
ID: 134
City: San Diego
Current Use: Active Courthouse
Owner: Duval Co.
Construction Date: 1926
Architect: Sanguinet, Staats & Gottllieb
Contractor: L. G. Hamilton
Style: Classical Revival
Description: Three story red brick courthouse with limestone details.
Substantial Modifications: Annex built in 1938. (Page Brothers) Some windows bricked in, fire escape added on front facade. Jail addition considered in 1995.
ID: 134
City: San Diego
Current Use: Active Courthouse
Owner: Duval Co.
Construction Date: 1926
Architect: Sanguinet, Staats & Gottllieb
Contractor: L. G. Hamilton
Style: Classical Revival
Description: Three story red brick courthouse with limestone details.
Substantial Modifications: Annex built in 1938. (Page Brothers) Some windows bricked in, fire escape added on front facade. Jail addition considered in 1995.
Duval County Museum
Marker #: 1310
Marker Title: Duval County Museum
City: San Diego
Marker Location: On square in San Diego
Marker Text: none aviable
Marker #: 1310
Marker Title: Duval County Museum
City: San Diego
Marker Location: On square in San Diego
Marker Text: none aviable
Duval, John C.
Marker # 2769
Marker Title: John C. Duval
City: Freer
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: (1816 - 1897) First Texas man of letters. Wrote history not as a visitor, but a participant, and wrote to entertain and inspire. His "Early times in Texas" tells of days when, by bringing news of the outside world to the lonely settlers, a man could travel from the Sabine to the Rio Grande and spend not a cent for board. It also gives a personal account of Palm Sunday 1836 at Goliad, when Santa Anna's men shot down disarmed Texas prisoners of War -- a massacre from which Duval himself escaped, though an older brother was killed. His books, including "Early Times," "Bigfoot Wallace" and "Young Explorers," were not widely distributed at the time of publication, but made history live. As a young Austin citizen, the renowned O. Henry was influenced by Duval's work; so was J. Frank Dobie, dean of 20th century Texas writers. Duval was born in Kentucky; son of a territorial governor of Florida. Graduate of the University of Virginia. Civil engineer. First came to Texas in 1835. Fought in the Texas Revolution. Was a Texas Ranger and made a career of surveying frontier lands. Fought in the Mexican War and in the Civil War. This county was named for him and for two of his distinguished brothers. (1965)
Marker # 2769
Marker Title: John C. Duval
City: Freer
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: (1816 - 1897) First Texas man of letters. Wrote history not as a visitor, but a participant, and wrote to entertain and inspire. His "Early times in Texas" tells of days when, by bringing news of the outside world to the lonely settlers, a man could travel from the Sabine to the Rio Grande and spend not a cent for board. It also gives a personal account of Palm Sunday 1836 at Goliad, when Santa Anna's men shot down disarmed Texas prisoners of War -- a massacre from which Duval himself escaped, though an older brother was killed. His books, including "Early Times," "Bigfoot Wallace" and "Young Explorers," were not widely distributed at the time of publication, but made history live. As a young Austin citizen, the renowned O. Henry was influenced by Duval's work; so was J. Frank Dobie, dean of 20th century Texas writers. Duval was born in Kentucky; son of a territorial governor of Florida. Graduate of the University of Virginia. Civil engineer. First came to Texas in 1835. Fought in the Texas Revolution. Was a Texas Ranger and made a career of surveying frontier lands. Fought in the Mexican War and in the Civil War. This county was named for him and for two of his distinguished brothers. (1965)
St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church
Marker #: 5034
Marker Title: St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1996
Marker Location: 405 South Victoria Street, San Diego
Marker Text: Established in 1867 by Father Claude Jaillet, St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church was built through the contributions of its members and was the center of religious activity in the area. Father Jaillet served until 1872, and returned again from 1875-1884. This church was constructed in 1908 during the pastorate of Father Pedro Bard. The church was enlarged and remodeled and Parochial Hall was added by 1950. The church celebrated 100 years of service to its members and the surrounding communities in 1967, and continues to serve the area. (1996)
Marker #: 5034
Marker Title: St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1996
Marker Location: 405 South Victoria Street, San Diego
Marker Text: Established in 1867 by Father Claude Jaillet, St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church was built through the contributions of its members and was the center of religious activity in the area. Father Jaillet served until 1872, and returned again from 1875-1884. This church was constructed in 1908 during the pastorate of Father Pedro Bard. The church was enlarged and remodeled and Parochial Hall was added by 1950. The church celebrated 100 years of service to its members and the surrounding communities in 1967, and continues to serve the area. (1996)
Valerio, Felipe, Store and Garage
Marker #: 1585
Marker Title: Felipe Valerio Store and Garage
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1994
Marker Location: TX 44 and junction with Texas Farm Road 3196
Marker Text: (1.5 mi. southeast) Built in 1905 by Felipe Valerio (1878-1953) and his wife Jesusa (1886-1973), the Valerio store was an integral part of the small community of La Rosita. Located approximately halfway between San Diego and Freer, the store provided groceries and other goods for residents of this rural area. An increase in business from the area oil boom in the 1930s led to the addition of a gas station and garage. The store also served as a bus station, and Felipe Valerio was local postmaster from 1917 to 1929. Construction of State Highway 44 led to the closing of the store in 1956. (1994)
Marker #: 1585
Marker Title: Felipe Valerio Store and Garage
City: San Diego
Year Marker Erected: 1994
Marker Location: TX 44 and junction with Texas Farm Road 3196
Marker Text: (1.5 mi. southeast) Built in 1905 by Felipe Valerio (1878-1953) and his wife Jesusa (1886-1973), the Valerio store was an integral part of the small community of La Rosita. Located approximately halfway between San Diego and Freer, the store provided groceries and other goods for residents of this rural area. An increase in business from the area oil boom in the 1930s led to the addition of a gas station and garage. The store also served as a bus station, and Felipe Valerio was local postmaster from 1917 to 1929. Construction of State Highway 44 led to the closing of the store in 1956. (1994)