San Benito was Originally founded under the name
San José de Los Negros by the Spaniards who imported enslaved Africans from the Caribbean into the region including an estimated 100 slave fugitives from the neighboring Belize, who, upon their arrival declared their desire to convert to Catholicism, a key step in becoming recognized as faithful subjects of Spain. With them the Christian Africans brought the image of
Saint Benedict the Black, proclaiming him the patron saint of the place. In response to protests from the local maya chiefs, Commander José de Gálvez ordered the relocation of the inhabitants to where the Barrio La Ermita is currently located near Petén’s fortress, leading to a name change to
San Benito de Los Negros shortened to the common name
San Benito. ==Sports==