Frio Town Cemetery
Historical marker location:Founded in 1871, Frio Town served as the first county seat of Frio County. A courthouse was built in 1876, and a number of families built homes in the area. The International and Great Northern Railroad built a line from San Antonio to Laredo in 1881, bypassing Frio Town. By 1883 the new town of Pearsall (16 mi. E) on the rail line became the new county seat. One of the few physical reminders of the historic Frio Town community, this cemetery stands as a testament to the county's early pioneer history. The first burials occurred in 1873, when Calvin Massey (1797-1873) was killed by Indians, and Robert Wesley Hiler (1855-1873) died in a horse riding accident. Among the pioneer settlers interred here are Ben (1813-1893) and Minerva (1817-1895) Slaughter and their descendants, as well as members of the Roberts, Hiler, Little, Loxton, Taylor, Hattox, Blackaller, and Minus families. A number of early graves are unmarked. Six men killed in an Indian raid on the William J. Slaughter sheep ranch in 1876 are buried together in a row of graves. The cemetery also contains the burials of a number of infants and small children, a reflection of harsh conditions on the frontier.
(1991)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
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 AgustÃn 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.
Frio County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.