Gregorio Cortez - Flight and Capture

Flight and Capture

Cortez, now a fugitive from the law, spent twelve days on the lam, repeatedly evading authorities (local posses and sheriffs, not Texas Rangers, as has previously been suggested, he was eventually arrested by a Ranger when he was turned in, and betrayed by an acquaintance), and at times aided by compatriots. The search for Cortez involved hundreds of men. A train on the International-Great Northern Railroad route to Laredo was used to bring in new men and fresh horses. During his flight, Texas newspapers were highly critical of Cortez, some lamenting that he had not been lynched. Popular hatred for Cortez among Anglo-Americans provoked violence against Mexican communities in Gonzales, Refugio, Hays, and other counties. However, admiration of Cortez by some Anglo-Texans increased as the search progressed, and the San Antonio Express touted his "remarkable powers of endurance and skill in eluding pursuit." Cortez was finally apprehended on June 22, 1901, when an acquaintance turned him in.

During those 10 days, Cortez was pursued by a posse that at times included up to 300 men. He traveled nearly 400 miles on horseback and more than 100 miles on foot. This was one of the largest manhunts in history. His story was symbolic of the struggles between the Anglo-Americans and Mexicans in South Texas.