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 Karnes City
N 28° 53.080 W 097° 53.888
14R E 607444 N 3195706
On the southwest corner of the intersections of E. Calvert (US 81) and Esplanade in Karnes City, TX stands a TX historical marker titled "Karnes City" that gives the history of the founding and growth of this town.
Waymark Code: WM129PK
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 04/07/2020
Views: 4
This historical marker is at the left corner of the City Hall when you are facing toward the building from E. Calvert (US 81). The City Hall address is 313 E. Calvert, Karnes City, TX 78118.
This marker gives the facts about the growth of Karnes City and in doing so, completes the story of the change of the county seat from Helena, TX to Karnes City, TX in 1894 (see WM129KD that tells about the boom and bust of Helena, TX). The Karnes City saga is the success story of how getting the railroad depot sustained the city as opposed to the town of Helena, TX that faded away when the railroad bypassed it. The Karnes County seat was moved out of Helena and into Karnes City in 1894.
Marker Number: 2900
Marker Text:
Seat of Karnes County; was founded in Christmas season, 1890, when a partnership headed by Otto Buchel bought 1,000 acres of land from J. L. Calvert for $5 an acre. The tract was near the geographic center of the county and adjoined the right-of-way of the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad.
The young town was first named Karnes in honor of Henry W. Karnes (1812-1840), Texas Ranger hero. Although a small, mild-mannered man, Karnes was conspicuous for his cool courage in battle. Red-headed, he was once beseiged by a group of Comanche women who attempted to wash the "berry juice" out of his hair.
When the first Karnes post office was established April 1, 1891, "City" was added to the name. The new town grew so fast that within three years citizens petitioned for an election to move the county seat from Helena to Karnes City. The voters favored Karnes City two-to-one and the move was made January, 1894.
Having grown steadily since 1891, Karnes City has had seven newspapers, four banks, and many businesses. During the railroad boom, when a train was the most exciting way to travel, six passenger trains per day came through town. The economy of the area has been based on ranching, farming, uranium, oil, and gas.
(1967)
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Visit Instructions:
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