In 1881, he donated 80 acres (32 ha) to establish the community that grew up around the station on the Texas Mexican Railway.

In 1882, Archie Parr arrived to manage the Sweden Ranch for the Lott & Nielson Pasture Company.

The former schoolteacher and ranch hand later became a rancher, Texas state senator, and the first "Duke of Duval", political boss of the county.

His middle son, George Berham Parr, succeeded him as El Patrón and Duke of Duval.

[7] Benavides is located southeast of the center of Duval County at 27°35′48″N 98°24′43″W / 27.59667°N 98.41194°W / 27.59667; -98.41194 (27.596677, –98.411884),[8] in the valley of Santa Gertrudis Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Benavides has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2), all land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.