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History
in a Pecan Shell
In December 1890, a group of Cuero businessmen bought 1,000 acres
alongside the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad to be the next
county seat. Originally named Karnes, after Texas patriot Henry Wax
Karnes, "City" was added by postal authorities when the post office
opened in 1891. In 1892 an auction was held and the railroad built
a spur to facilitate the unloading of lumber for new homes and businesses.
An election was held in December 21, 1893 to determine whether Runge,
Kenedy, Helena
or Karnes City would be the seat of government. In January 1894 records
were moved from Helena
to Karnes City. A new courthouse and jail were built and on May 25,
1894, a prisoner was hanged on the new courthouse lawn, five months
before the courthouse was dedicated.
See Karnes
County Courthouse
The first newspaper began publishing in 1891 and the first school
in Karnes City opened in October of that year. The building was used
for classes, public dances and church services on Sunday. The Karnes
City Independent School District was organized on May 24, 1894. In
1925 a new high school was built and a library was built in 1972.
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The
Karnes City City Hall
1939 photo Courtesy TXDoT |
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The two water towers of Karnes City
TE Photo 8-03 |
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