Zavala County
Historical marker location:Explored as early as 1691 by the expedition of Domingo Teran de Los Rios, Spanish governor of Texas. The historic San Antonio Road crossed this region from southwest to northeast and was used by most of the Spanish explorers and travelers of the 18th century. French-American explorer St. Denis used it in 1714, as did the Canary Islanders, who made one of the first civil settlements in San Antonio, in 1718. The county was created in 1858 from Uvalde and Maverick counties and named for Texas patriot and statesman Lorenzo de Zavala. Not until 1884, however, did enough people reside here to permit it to be organized. The first county seat was Bates City, later renamed Batesville. First judge was J. M. Downs and commissioners were W. C. Mangum, E. P. Waller, V. M. West and G. B. Kenney. Before 1884 was out, a school election had been held in Palo Blanco, and a $7,500 contract had been let for a courthouse and jail. When the county seat moved to Crystal City (1928) courthouse and jail were built here. New courthouse erected 1969 at cost of $475,000 was commissioned by 1968-1969 county courts: Irl Taylor, Judge; Cecil Davis, Jr.; F. D. Keller, Jr.; H. R. Reynolds; E. B. Ross; Jesus Rodriguez; and Henry Volz, Jr., commissioners. (1969)
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.
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
In the early 19th century, Spanish ranchers settled in the region, establishing large cattle ranches. With the signing of the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1821, Zavala County became part of the newly independent country of Mexico. The establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836 brought an influx of American settlers to the area, seeking opportunities for farming and ranching.
The county was formally established in 1858 and named after Lorenzo de Zavala, an influential Mexican politician who had supported the Texas Revolution. However, it wasn't until the 1870s that the county experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad. The railroad brought increased commerce and connected the county to larger cities in the state.
With the discovery of oil and gas in the early 20th century, Zavala County experienced an economic boom. The oil industry brought jobs and prosperity to the region, attracting workers from across the country. Today, Zavala County remains an important hub for agriculture, oil, and gas production, preserving its rich history while continuing to evolve and adapt to the changing times.
Zavala County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Zavala County, Texas.
- 1847 - Zavala County is officially established by the Texas legislature.
- 1853 - The county seat is designated as Batesville.
- 1858 - Batesville is abandoned as the county seat and moved to a new location called Uvalde.
- 1870 - Crystal City becomes the new county seat.
- 1944 - The town of La Pryor is established.
- 1952 - The railroad is extended to Crystal City, boosting the local economy.
- 1985 - The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund sues the county over voting rights, leading to the implementation of single-member districts.
- 2004 - The Zavala County Jail is closed due to inadequate conditions.
- 2017 - Hurricane Harvey causes significant damage to the county, leading to evacuations and recovery efforts.