Kerrville Daily Times
Historical marker location:Several newspapers have served the residents of Kerr County since its organization. Most of these have ceased to publish but one, the Kerrville Daily Times, has served area readers as the only daily newspaper published in the Hill Country. One of the oldest businesses in continuous operation in the county, the paper began as the Center Point News in 1910. James J. Starkey, son of Kerr County pioneers J.M. and Martha Starkey, led a group of investors who moved the Center Point News to Kerrville in 1925. Starkey originally renamed his publication The Latest, but changed the name in January 1926 to the Hill View Times, writing that “a person standing on a hill top and viewing the times of the day can get a clear and accurate perspective of events.”
In October 1926, Starkey once again changed the name of his weekly newspaper to The Kerrville Times. He also served in community affairs, including as chairman of the Democratic Party in Kerr County. James sold the assets of The Times publishing company to his nephew, G. Rankin Starkey, in 1934, and continued to write a weekly column, “Pioneer History,” until his death twenty years later. G. Rankin Starkey and co-publisher Sam P. Braswell converted the weekly paper to a daily run in March 1949 with the debut of the Kerrville Daily Times. William E. Dozier, who added a weekend edition to The Times in 1976, was elected president of the Texas Press Association in 1979. The Times later produced an electronic edition and purchased the assets of the kerrville mountain sun, continuing to publish that historic newspaper. A Texas company, Southern Newspapers Inc., purchased The Times in 1995. The Times and its employees have a long history of service to the community and the newspaper industry
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.
In 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States, and Kerr County was officially formed in 1856. It was named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution and a member of the Republic of Texas Congress. The county's early economy was centered around agriculture, with ranching, farming, and timber production being the main industries.
During the Civil War, Kerr County, like many other parts of Texas, was divided in allegiance between the Union and the Confederacy. The area experienced occasional raids and skirmishes, but overall remained relatively peaceful during the conflict. After the war, the county began to recover and flourish economically, with the arrival of the railroad in 1887, which improved transportation and access to markets.
The 20th century brought further growth and development to Kerr County. The discovery of oil in the nearby counties stimulated the economy, and Kerrville, the county seat, became a regional hub for commerce and services. The establishment of Schreiner Institute, now Schreiner University, in 1923, brought higher education opportunities to the area. Today, Kerr County continues to attract residents and visitors with its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant community life.
Kerr County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kerr County, Texas.
- 1856 - Kerr County is officially established on January 26.
- 1857 - The first county government is organized in October.
- 1870 - The city of Kerrville is founded as a trade center for the surrounding area.
- 1876 - Kerrville becomes the county seat of Kerr County.
- 1888 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reaches Kerrville, stimulating growth in the area.
- 1890 - Kerrville is incorporated as a city.
- 1930 - The Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church South establishes a permanent site for summer encampments in Kerrville, which later becomes the Mo-Ranch conference center.
- 1962 - The Kerrville Folk Festival is first held, becoming one of the longest continuously running music festivals in the United States.
- 1998 - The Kerrville-Schreiner State Park is opened to the public.