Campsite of Marques De Rubi, 1767
Junction, Kimble County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Campsite of Marques de Rubi, 1767. In 1764 King Charles III of Spain ordered the Marques de Rubi, a Spanish army field marshal, to tour and inspect all presidios in New Spain. Rubi arrived in Mexico in February 1766, and was joined by Nicolas de Lafora, engineer and mapmaker. They made a tour of the Northwest and California territory and entered Texas on July 17, 1767. Rubi chose this location for his campsite July 23, 1767. His report suggested small Texas missions be closed. This was done in 1772. Only Goliad and San Antonio remained. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1764 King Charles III of Spain ordered the Marqués de Rubí, a field marshal, to inspect every presidio across New Spain's vast northern frontier. Accompanied by engineer and mapmaker Nicolás de Lafora, Rubí toured the borderlands and camped at this spot on July 23, 1767. His resulting report recommended closing most of Texas's small missions — carried out in 1772, leaving only San Antonio and Goliad — a sweeping reorganization of Spain's presence on the frontier.
Why it matters
Rubí's inspection reshaped Spanish policy across the far northern frontier, deciding which Texas settlements would survive and which would be abandoned.
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Related people
- · Marqués de Rubí
- · Nicolás de Lafora
- · Charles III
Themes & tags
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