Cotulla, Texas

Cotulla, Texas
Name	Cotulla, Texas
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	28, 26, N, 99...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Texas
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	La Salle County
Established title	Founded
Established date	1881
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1908
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	2.20
Area land sq mi	2.20
Area water sq mi	0.00
Elevation ft	446
Population total	3664
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Central (CST)
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	78014
Area code	830
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	48-17096
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1333308
Website	http://www.cityofcotulla.com/

Cotulla, Texas. Cotulla is a city in and the county seat of La Salle County, Texas, situated in the South Texas region of the United States. Founded as a railroad town in the late 19th century, it has historically served as a center for ranching and energy extraction. The city is perhaps best known for its early 20th-century connection to future President Lyndon B. Johnson, who taught at a local school.

History

The area was originally inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Coahuiltecan and later the Lipan Apache people. The modern settlement was established in 1881 when Polish immigrant and Union Pacific Railroad contractor Joseph Cotulla donated land for a townsite along the newly built Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway. The community quickly became a shipping point for cattle and later sheep from the surrounding ranch lands. The discovery of the 1686 shipwreck of La Salle's ship *La Belle* in nearby Matagorda Bay in 1995 highlighted the region's deep colonial history under New France and New Spain. In 1928-1929, a young Lyndon B. Johnson taught at the Welhausen School for Mexican-American children, an experience that profoundly influenced his views on poverty and later informed his Great Society policies.

Geography

Cotulla is located in central La Salle County at the intersection of Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 81, approximately 70 miles north of Laredo, Texas. The city lies within the Rio Grande plains region, characterized by flat to rolling terrain and brushland vegetation. The Nueces River flows to the east of the city, and the area is part of the larger Nueces River basin. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, featuring hot summers and mild winters, with the region being prone to periods of drought.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 3,664. The city has a majority Hispanic or Latino population, largely of Mexican descent, reflecting the broader demographic trends of South Texas. This demographic composition is consistent with many communities along the Texas–Mexico border region. Population growth has historically been tied to the cyclical fortunes of the local oil field and Eagle Ford Shale energy booms, attracting workers from across Texas and other states.

Economy

The economy has long been dominated by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and hydrocarbon extraction. The city serves as a commercial and service hub for the surrounding rural county. The early 21st-century development of the Eagle Ford Shale formation, one of the most prolific oil fields in the United States, triggered a significant economic surge, bringing investment, jobs, and related industries to the area. Major employers and economic drivers include companies like Lewis Energy Group, Halliburton, and various frac sand logistics operations supporting the shale gas play.

Education

Public education is provided by the Cotulla Independent School District, which operates campuses including Cotulla High School. The district serves students from the city and much of La Salle County. The community is also within the service area of Coastal Bend College, which offers vocational and associate degree programs. The historical Welhausen School, where Lyndon B. Johnson taught, remains a notable landmark in the city's educational history.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the city include founder and railroad contractor Joseph Cotulla. Future U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson lived and worked here as a teacher. Professional American football player Jesse Baker, who played for the Houston Oilers and New England Patriots, is a native. Rodeo champion and PRCA hall of famer Toots Mansfield also hailed from the area.

Category:Cities in Texas Category:La Salle County, Texas Category:County seats in Texas