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History
in a Pecan Shell
The county was named after James Stephen Hogg, the Governor of Texas.
Like Jim Wells County, the familiar Jim in lieu of James reflects
the less formal attitude of Texas south of San
Antonio. Be thankful it's not Jimmy Hogg.
The town dates from 1883 when the Texas Mexican Railroad built
through the area. Francisco Pena was the stationmaster at the railroad
stop he modestly named Pena. He refused to sell a right-of-way to
the railroad, so they loaded the station onto a flatcar and moved
it to land owned by rancher James Hebbron. |
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James R.
Hebbron
"This is a photo of my half great-uncle James R. Hebbron. A
copy of this photo hangs in Hebbronville's courthouse. J.R. was
born in London, England in 1828 and spent much of his time in the
US in what later became Salinas, California. However, he did much
to develop cattle ranching around Hebbronville for a time. He finally
died, aged 98, in 1926!
- Chris Hebbron,
June 20, 2006
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Hebbronville became the county seat with a unanimous vote of 176.
Mr. Pena's reaction was not mentioned in our source.
A hotel built by Viggo Kohler opened in 1915 when the town's population
was 400. The hotel stands today but is now in use for county offices
and the EMS. |
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The
still-standing 1915 Viggo Hotel
TE Photo |
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The
dome of Scotus College
TE Photo |
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The
Franciscan Seminary with modest neighbors in foreground.
TE Photo |
During the 20s and 30s - the anti-Catholic Mexican government caused
a Franciscan Seminary to relocate to Hebbronville. It remains
the most impressive edifice in Hebbronville, including the courthouse.
It is still owned by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Jim
Hogg County Courthouse - next page
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A
former Spanish Revival Gas Station
TE Photo |
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A
Piggly Wiggly Ghost Sign in downtown.
TE Photo |
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South
Texas signage humor.
TE Photo
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Hebbronville's
former depot
TE Photo |
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Faded
boxcar lettering is
a reminder of Hebbronville's beginning.
TE Photo |
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Hebbronville's
sunshine
has given Marilyn a slight tan
TE Photo |
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