Bandera County, Texas

3 children graves Adams Cemetery Alfred Saathoff & brother Arnold Cemetery Baker Cemetery Ballentine-Moncur Cemetery Bandera Cemetery Bauerlein Cemetery Burns Place Cemetery Clayton Ranch Graves Colored Burial Ground Dial Cemetery Eight graves on San Julian Creek Elizabeth Pennington & Daughter Eugene O. Berski Grave Four unmarked graves Fred Hamilton Place Grave Gable Ranch Grave Goodman Cemetery Graves on Charley Eckhart Place Haby Cemetery Hay Family Cemetery Helm Cemetery Hicks Cemetery Hill Grave Hillman Cemetery Hinds Cemetery Honey Creek Cemetery Hwy 1336 NW Cemetery Indian Creek Cemetery Insall Place Grave Jones Cemetery Jones-Loyd Cemetery Julian Graves Lawyer Cemetery Louie Heder Place Grave Lucius Hick Ranch Grave Mahala Jones Cemetery Mary Pirie Scott Grave Masters & McCurdy Graves McKee Ranch Graves Means Cemetery Myrtle Creek School Grave North Graves Old Ballentine Cemetery Old Forest Cemetery Old Granville Wright Ranch Graves Old Hester Cemetery Old Mark Davenport Ranch Grave Old Stevens Place Grave Pipe Creek Cemetery Polly's Chapel Cemetery Rambie Cemetery Rocky Creek Cemetery Sauter Cemetery Shaw Ranch Graves Singleton Cemetery Six Unmarked Graves Son of Arthur Oliff Spring Grave #1 Spring Grave #2 St. Christopher's Episcopal Church Cemetery St. Stanislaus Cemetery Stanard Cemetery Stevens Graves Stevens Graves T.A. Riggs Cemetery Tarpley Cemetery Thalmann Cemetery Turkey Springs Cemetery Unknown Cemetery Unknown Graves Vanderpool Cemetery West Prong Cemetery Whitley Grave Will Mass Sr & Son Graves

Bandera County, located in Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially home to various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche tribes, who resided along the banks of the Medina River. However, it was in the early 19th century that European settlers began to arrive in the region.

The first recorded settlement in Bandera County was established in 1852 by John James and Charles DeMontel. The town of Bandera was soon founded, and in 1856, Bandera County was officially created. The county was named after the nearby Bandera Pass, a mountain pass that was used by early Spanish explorers as a trail marker.

During the 19th century, Bandera County became an important center for ranching and agriculture. The fertile land and abundant water sources made it an ideal location for raising cattle and farming. The region quickly developed a reputation for its strong cowboy and ranching culture.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in nearby counties brought economic prosperity to Bandera County. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the area experienced a boom in population and development. Despite the decline of the oil industry in later years, Bandera County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its historic downtown, natural beauty, and western heritage.

Today, Bandera County remains a charming rural community that celebrates its rich history and maintains its Western traditions. Visitors can explore the numerous historic sites, museums, and cowboy-themed events, immersing themselves in the county's unique culture and heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Bandera County, Texas:

  • 1856 - Bandera County is created from parts of Bexar, Uvalde, Medina, and Kerr counties.
  • Late 1850s - Settlers begin to establish homesteads and ranches in the area.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Bandera, the county seat.
  • Late 1870s - The population booms due to the expansion of the cattle industry.
  • 1891 - The Bandera County Courier newspaper is founded.
  • 1933 - The Bandera Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to rural areas.
  • 1940s - Ranching and farming become the primary economic activities in the county.
  • 1975 - Bandera becomes the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and hosts the first Cowboy Capital Rodeo.
  • 2002 - The Bandera County Library is opened.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bandera County, Texas.

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