Frio County, Texas

Frio County, located in southwest Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for survival.

The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 17th century brought significant changes to the region. Spanish missionaries established settlements and began introducing Christianity to the Native American tribes. One such settlement was the San Agustín de Laredo Presidio, which was founded in 1755 and served as a military outpost to protect Spanish interests in the area.

During the 19th century, Frio County experienced its major period of settlement. In 1858, the first Anglo-American families began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and the potential for agriculture. The county was officially established in 1858 and was named after the Frio River, which runs through its western portion.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought further development and prosperity to Frio County. Oil fields were established in the area, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. Today, Frio County is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities such as ranching and farming. The county continues to thrive, blending its rich history with modern industry and a strong sense of community.
Brief timeline of the history of Frio County, Texas:

  • 1858 - Frio County is established from portions of Atascosa, Bexar, Uvalde, and Webb counties.
  • 1868 - The first post office is established in Frio City.
  • 1878 - The county seat is moved from Frio City to Pearsall.
  • 1880 - The Southern Pacific Railroad is extended into Frio County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1900 - The population of Frio County reaches over 7,000 residents.
  • 1911 - A major flood causes significant damage to the county.
  • 1927 - Frio County suffers from another devastating flood.
  • 1934 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes Camp F-2 Company 1827 at Frio County Airport.
  • 1940s - The discovery of oil and gas leads to increased economic activity in the county.
  • 1990 - The population of Frio County exceeds 12,000 residents.
  • 2010 - Frio County celebrates its 150th anniversary.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Frio County, Texas.