Charco, Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Thought to be built on the site of a former Indian village, Charco dates from the 1830s when members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred settled here.

The name is Spanish for "watering hole.� A post office opened in the 1850s and closed in the mid 1950s. The town had a population estimated at 113 by 1904. The last general store in Charco held on until the early 1970s.

From a 1925 high of 250 residents, Charco declined to 150 by 1933 � remaining there for the next 30 years. From 1970 to the mid 1980s, the population was estimated to be 61. It has since grown to the current (2010) 133 (estimate).

Photographer's Note:
Subject: Charco TX
A ranching community located near the San Antonio River in western Goliad County & situated on Hwy 239 between Kenedy & Goliad, Texas. The local tavern in the middle of town was the last surviving business and finally closed a few years ago. All other old business buildings have gone away but many residences still remain on the few remaining streets. ... [Here are a few photos] from the middle of town. -

Will Beauchamp, December 02, 2008

Charco in Goliad County 1858 Map
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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