Benavides, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benavides, Texas
|
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Duval |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.77 sq mi (4.59 km2) |
| • Land | 1.77 sq mi (4.59 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 374 ft (114 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 1,183 |
| • Density | 668.4/sq mi (257.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
78341
|
| Area code(s) | 361 |
| FIPS code | 48-07528 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1330408 |
Benavides is a city located in Duval County, Texas, in the United States. In 2020, about 1,183 people lived there. It's a small but interesting place with a rich history.
Contents
Benavides is a city in South Texas. It's known for its history and its community. The city is named after an important historical figure.
The town of Benavides has a fascinating past. It was founded thanks to a generous land donation.
The town gets its name from Plácido Benavides (1837–1919). He was the nephew of an earlier Plácido Benavides (1810–1837). The elder Plácido was a leader in Victoria in 1832. He even served with Stephen F. Austin during the Siege of Béxar.
The younger Plácido Benavides fought in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he built a very large ranch called "Rancho Palo Alto." It became one of the biggest ranches in Duval County. In 1880, he allowed a railroad station to be built on his land. The next year, he gave 80 acres (about 32 hectares) of land. This land was used to create the community that grew around the new station. The railroad was called the Texas Mexican Railway.
The Influence of Archie Parr
In 1882, a man named Archie Parr came to the area. He managed a ranch for a company. Archie Parr later became a rancher and a Texas state senator. He was known as the first "Duke of Duval." This meant he was a very influential person in the county's politics.
His son, George Berham Parr, later took over his role. Other members of the Parr family were also important in local politics. In 1911, Archie Parr tried to move the county courthouse to Benavides. However, he was not successful.
Benavides is in the southeastern part of Duval County. It sits in the valley of Santa Gertrudis Creek. The city's exact location is 27°35′48″N 98°24′43″W / 27.59667°N 98.41194°W.
Two main roads pass through Benavides. Texas State Highway 359 goes northeast to San Diego, which is the county seat. It also goes southwest to Hebbronville. Texas State Highway 339 also runs through Benavides. It leads northwest to Freer and south to TX 285.
The United States Census Bureau says that Benavides covers about 4.7 square kilometers (1.8 square miles). All of this area is land.
The population of Benavides has changed over the years. Here's how it has grown and shrunk:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 1,424 | — | |
| 1940 | 3,081 | — | |
| 1950 | 3,016 | −2.1% | |
| 1960 | 2,459 | −18.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,841 | −25.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,978 | 7.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,788 | −9.6% | |
| 2000 | 1,686 | −5.7% | |
| 2010 | 1,362 | −19.2% | |
| 2020 | 1,183 | −13.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The 2020 United States census counted 1,183 people living in Benavides. There were 622 households and 460 families.
Here's a look at the different groups of people living in Benavides in 2020:
| Group | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 37 | 3.13% |
| Asian (NH) | 3 | 0.25% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 18 | 1.52% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,125 | 95.1% |
| Total | 1,183 |
Students in Benavides attend schools that are part of the Benavides Independent School District. This district serves the city's educational needs.
The weather in Benavides is usually hot and humid in the summer. Winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it's often shown as "Cfa."
One notable person from Benavides is Oscar Carrillo. He was the youngest mayor ever of Benavides. He also served three terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
See also
In Spanish: Benavides (Texas) para niños
