| « Previous | Home | Next » | Permalink | Leave a Comment (0) |
 July 20, 2008 | Leon County Courthouse Texas County Courthouse Project #17: Leon County (Centerville, Texas) Although early Spanish explorers came through this area as early as the late 1600’s, European settlement did not occur until the 1800’s and then not successfully until after the Texas Revolution. Fear of Comanche and other Indian raids were a very real problem that kept most settlers away. Leon County was formed by the first Texas state legislature in 1846. The county is named for Martín De León, the only Mexican empresario to start a colony in Texas. De León’s main contribution to Texas culture was through ranching. He set the tone for future generations of Texas cattlemen with his large ranch, which, among other things, saw the design of the first cattle brand in Texas. De León also founded the town of Victoria. Some locales maintain, however, that the name (Spanish for 'lion') comes from a yellow wolf that lived in the area. Named for its location in the county, Centerville became the county seat of Leon County in 1850. The courthouse was built in 1887, making it one of the oldest in Texas still used in its original state. 
|
|
www.flickr.com
|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
www.flickr.com
This is a Flickr badge showing public photos and videos from MickWatson. Make your own badge here.
© 2005-08 mw