Jourdanton, Texas, Atascosa County Seat. (original) (raw)

Jourdanton main street scene, showing the J. C. Applewhite Bakery, far left, early 1900s.
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com

History in a Pecan Shell

While Col. T. H. Zanderson is credited with founding the town in 1909, the name comes from that of Jourdan Campbell, who drew the blueprint for the railroad (the Artesian Belt) showing the town as a proposed stop. Citizens of Jourdanton raised a $50,000 to lure the railroad into bringing their main line into town.

Lots were auctioned off and cattle and cotton were soon being shipped to San Antonio from the Jourdanton depot. By 1914, with a population of 1,200, Jourdanton was a thriving town.

It experienced a ten-year decline which ended in the mid 20s. For the 1930 Census, Jourdanton was down to 767 residents.

Oil was discovered in 1942 which lead another period of growth. The 1952 population reached a new high of 1,483. In 1956 the 1909 courthouse was remodeled. In 1965 Jourdanton reported 1,990 residents. The railroad stopped running in the 1960s.

Jourdanton, Texas

Landmarks & Attractions

with photo gallery

The Catholic Church in Jourdanton
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com
More Texas Churches

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