La Salle County, Texas
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| La Salle County, Texas | |
|---|---|
| County | La Salle County |
| State | Texas |
| Founded | 1858 |
| Seat | Cotulla |
| Largest city | Cotulla |
| Area total sq mi | 1489 |
| Area land sq mi | 1487 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.5 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 6,664 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Time zone | Central |
| Named for | René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle |
| District | 28th |
La Salle County, Texas is a county located in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. Its county seat is Cotulla, the only incorporated community. Established in 1858 from portions of Bexar County, it was named for the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. The county is part of the Eagle Ford Shale geological formation and has a long history tied to cattle ranching, oil production, and its location along the historic Old San Antonio Road.
History
The region was originally inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Coahuiltecan peoples. Spanish exploration occurred as early as the 17th century, with the area falling under the jurisdiction of the Spanish province of Texas and later Mexican Texas. Following the Texas Revolution, it became part of the Republic of Texas. The county was formally organized after Texas joined the United States, with early settlements like Cotulla developing as stops along major cattle drive trails. The arrival of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway in the late 19th century spurred growth, transforming the local economy. The 20th century saw significant changes with the discovery of oil and gas resources, particularly from the Eagle Ford Shale, and the county was impacted by events like the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,489 square miles, nearly all of which is land. It is situated on the South Texas Plains, characterized by flat to rolling terrain covered with brushland and mesquite. The primary watercourse is the Nueces River, which flows along its northern border. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, featuring hot summers and mild winters. La Salle County is bordered by Frio County to the north, McMullen County to the east, Webb County to the south, and Dimmit County to the west. The Chapman Ranch is one of the area's large historic landholdings.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 6,664. The U.S. Census designates the majority of residents as Hispanic or Latino. Population density is extremely low, reflecting its rural character. The largest and only incorporated place is Cotulla, which serves as the population center. Earlier census data, such as from the 2000 United States census, shows a history of gradual population fluctuation tied largely to energy sector booms. A significant portion of the population has ancestry tracing back to early Tejano and Mexican American settlers.
Economy
The economy has historically been dominated by cattle ranching and sheep herding, with large ranches like the Lasater Ranch playing a key role. Since the mid-20th century, petroleum extraction and natural gas production have been primary economic drivers, especially with development of the Eagle Ford Shale play. Hydraulic fracturing operations have led to periodic economic surges. Agriculture remains important, with crops including cotton and sorghum. Hunting leases for species like white-tailed deer and wild turkey contribute to landowner income. The county is part of the Eagle Ford economic region.
Government and infrastructure
La Salle County operates under the Commissioners' court system, with an elected County judge and commissioners. The county seat is the La Salle County Courthouse in Cotulla. Law enforcement is provided by the La Salle County Sheriff's Office. The county is part of the 28th Congressional District of Texas, represented in the U.S. House by Henry Cuellar. Major transportation routes include Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 81, which follow the path of the Old San Antonio Road. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates facilities in the area.
Education
Public education is provided by the Cotulla Independent School District, which serves the entire county. The district includes campuses such as Cotulla High School. There are no institutions of higher education within the county; residents typically attend colleges in nearby areas like Laredo or San Antonio. The county is within the service area of the Southwest Texas Junior College district. Early educational efforts were supported by institutions like the Cotulla School.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with La Salle County include former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, who taught at the Welhausen School in Cotulla early in his career. Rancher and oilman Thomas H. Lasater was a prominent local figure. Football player Jake Ehrsam hailed from the county. The area is also the birthplace of several notable Tejano musicians and community leaders who contributed to South Texas culture.
Category:La Salle County, Texas Category:Texas counties Category:1858 establishments in Texas