Historical Marker

The Uvalde "Leader-News"

Historical marker location:
110 N East Street, Uvalde, Texas
( 110 North East Street, Uvalde)
Marker installed: 1976
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This newspaper succeeded earlier ones: The Uvalde "Hesperian" (founded 1879), "West Texan" (1884), The Uvalde "News" (1886), and The "Leader" of 1898. Harry P. Hornby (1876-1948), an Englishman, arrived in January 1898 and in three weeks launched The "Leader". Three years later this paper absorbed The "News" and took the present name. The "Leader-News" was sold in 1908 to Frank M. Getzendaner and in 1919 to Bessie Fletcher. By 1925, Hornby was again Editor and Publisher. He also had other business and civic activities, including holding office as mayor in 1926-1930. The paper attracted national attention in 1931 by its triumphant support of local citizen John Nance Garner for the Vice President of the United States. The son, Harry Hornby, after four years as a U.S. Marine officer, began editing The "Leader-News" in 1946, and with his wife became owner in 1948. The paper in the 1960s boosted the candidacy of another local resident, Dolph Briscoe, who became the Governor of Texas. Maintaining policies stated in the first issue, The "Leader-News" continues to support new enterprise and industry; its editorials promote education, recreation, and conservation improvements in Uvalde and throughout the state.

1976

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Uvalde County, located in southwest Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches, who hunted and camped along the rivers and springs of the region. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries began to settle in the area and establish missions, bringing with them a growing Hispanic population.

In the mid-19th century, Uvalde County experienced significant settlement and development fueled by the expansion of the cattle industry. Many ranchers and cowboys moved to the area, attracted by the abundant water sources and fertile grazing land. The establishment of the Great Western Cattle Trail in the late 1860s further reinforced Uvalde County's importance as a hub for the cattle industry.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Uvalde County played a significant role in various historical events. It was the birthplace of John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner, who served as the Vice President of the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt. The area was also a center of political activism during the Mexican Revolution, attracting prominent figures such as Francisco Madero and Pancho Villa.

In more recent years, Uvalde County has continued to evolve and grow. The development of oil and gas industries in the mid-20th century brought economic prosperity to the region. Today, Uvalde County is a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, ranching, and recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and nature tourism, that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

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

  • 1850: Uvalde County established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1855: First permanent settlers arrive in the area
  • 1866: Fort Inge established as a military outpost
  • 1881: Railroad reaches Uvalde, spurring growth and development
  • 1883: City of Uvalde officially incorporated
  • 1891: The Uvalde Asphalt Paving Company is founded
  • 1900: Uvalde becomes a center for farming and ranching
  • 1914: Uvalde County Courthouse is completed
  • 1940: Garner Field established as a training facility during World War II
  • 1981: John Nance Garner Museum opens in Uvalde
  • 1998: Winter Garden Region becomes a major grape-growing area
  • 2010: Population of Uvalde County reaches over 26,000