State Antiquities Landmark

Frio County Jail, Old

Pearsall Texas
Significance:
Historic Structure ( Also an RTHL. )

Jurisdiction:
Frio County

State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.

SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.

Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.

jails and prisons
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
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.

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.