Hebbronville, Texas, Jim Hogg county seat. (original) (raw)
The Scotus College, next to
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, July 2010
History in a Pecan Shell
The county was named after James Stephen Hogg, the Governor of Texas. Like Jim Wells County, the familiar Jim in lieu of James reflects the less formal attitude of Texas south of San Antonio. Be thankful it's not Jimmy Hogg.
The town dates from 1883 when the Texas Mexican Railroad built through the area. Francisco Pena was the stationmaster at the railroad stop he modestly named Pena. He refused to sell a right-of-way to the railroad, so they loaded the station onto a flatcar and moved it to land owned by rancher James Hebbron.
Hebbronville became the county seat with a unanimous vote of 176. Mr. Pena's reaction was not mentioned in our source.
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James R. Hebbron "This is a photo of my half great-uncle James R. Hebbron. A copy of this photo hangs in Hebbronville's courthouse. J.R. was born in London, England in 1828 and spent much of his time in the US in what later became Salinas, California. However, he did much to develop cattle ranching around Hebbronville for a time. He finally died, aged 98, in 1926!" - Chris Hebbron, June 20, 2006 |
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Hebbronville, Texas
Landmarks/Attractions
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, July 2010
Photo courtesy Liam Weston, December 2018
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The Franciscan Seminary with modest neighbors in foreground. TE Photo |
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Franciscan Seminary
During the 20s and 30s - the anti-Catholic Mexican government caused a Franciscan Seminary to relocate to Hebbronville. It remains the most impressive edifice in Hebbronville, including the courthouse. It is still owned by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico.
L - A Piggly Wiggly Ghost Sign in downtown.
R - South Texas signage humor
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Faded boxcar lettering is a reminder of Hebbronville's beginning. |
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A former Spanish Revival Gas Station |
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Left - Hebbronville's sunshine has given Marilyn a slight tan
Center - Hebbronville's former depot
Right - Jim Hogg County courthouse
TE Photos
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