Kerrville TX history, landmarks, attractions, river, parks, photos, featured articles. (original) (raw)
History in a Pecan Shell
Created in 1856 from Bexar County, Kerrville has been the county seat of Kerr County with the exception of the years 1860-62 when the seat was Comfort. Both town and city were named after James Kerr, who was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence and an early settler. Kerrville's population has consistently been approximately half that of the County.
Historical Marker: Kerr County was formally created on January 26, 1856, and named for Republic of Texas soldier and pioneer James Kerr. Among the first settlers in the area was Joshua D. Brown, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto. Brown was instrumental in naming the county for his friend James Kerr. The new county seat was named Kerrsville in May 1856 when Brown donated four acres of land for a public square. (The "S" was later dropped.)
Early Kerrville settlers included Anglo-American pioneers and German immigrants. The area became an important cattle raising and shipping point in the 1870s. In an election held on September 7, 1889, the citizens of Kerrville voted to incorporate the city, and a mayor and five aldermen were elected later that month. Joseph A. Tivy served as first mayor.
The town continued to grow. A city marshal was soon hired and a volunteer fire department was established in 1891. Also in the 1890s city water works and electric service were instituted. By the mid-20th century agriculture, medical services, and tourism had become the major economic concerns of the city.
(1989)
I-10 to Kerrville
TE Photo
Kerrville, Texas Attractions / Landmarks
- Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram
- Hill Country Museum
Located in the Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion at 226 Earl Garrett Street. A Confederate Soldier and Texas Ranger, he later became a successful business man and philanthropist, endowing Kerrville with a State Park and a College as well as his beautiful home which was turned into a museum in 1983. Phone: 210-896-8633. - Kerr Arts and Cultural Center
In the old post office building. Earl Garrett St. and Main St. - Museum of Western Art
Home of the Cowboy Artists of America - 1550 Bandera Hwy. (Hwy 173 South of Kerrville). Free admissions. 830-896-2553
Kerrville Events
Perhaps most famous for The Kerrville Music Festival, every Spring, there is also the Folk Festival, Bike Tours, Runs, a Cowboy Camp Meeting, Various Cook-Offs, Senior Games, Fairs, Shows and Concerts. Call Kerrville Chamber of Commerce: 830-792-3535.
› Book Hotel Here
Kerrville, Texas Natural Attractions
- Guadalupe River
Having the Guadalupe River bisect your town is a great tourist draw. ... more - Kerrville-Schreiner State Park
Just south of downtown Kerrville on Hwy 16 across the bridge you�ll see the sign for 173. Go left on 173 and two and a half miles later you�ll come to the park entrance on your left. This 517-acre park offers canoe and tube rentals in the Guadalupe River. During the week it�s VERY tranquil and on weekends it�s still an improvement over the crowds found on the river back in Kerrville. Reservations recommended for overnight stay.
Annual bicycling event every Easter Weekend. 830-257-5392. - Louise Hays Park is right in the middle of town, and a footbridge crosses the river to the appropriately named Tranquility Island. ... more
- Riverside Nature Center -
150 Francisco Lemos St. 830-257-4837
Kerrville cliff.
TE Photo
A parting look at Kerrville.
TE photo
Kerrville, Texas Chronicles
Original HEB Building in Kerrville
Photo courtesy of the Kerr County Historical Commission
Peterson Bus Terminal
Courtesy Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation
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A War Hero Comes Home by Michael Barr Pvt. Francisco Lemos was finally laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery on the Fredericksburg Road. He was the first Kerr County soldier to die in World War I, and the last American soldier killed in Europe to be brought home. |
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Hal and Charlie Peterson - Big Dreams by Michael Barr |
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Kerrville Old Photos & Postcards
"The Library, Schreiner Institute, Kerrville, Texas"
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
Postcard courtesy Jo Ann Arnold
Kerrville City Hall
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
Post office in Kerrville in the 1950s
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
St. Charles Hotel
Postcard courtesy Jo Ann Arnold
St. Charles Hotel
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
"Presbyterian M-O Ranch near Kerrville, Texas.
In the 'Heart O' the Hills'
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
1920s Kerr County Map
Courtesy Texas General Land Office
Kerr County 1907 Postal Map
Courtesy Texas General Land Office
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