Kerrville
Lose Your Heart To The Hills!
Heritage Trail: Hill Country
County: Kerr
Region: Hill Country
One could argue that the city of Kerrville has been around as long as Kerr County, which was set up as the county seat on May 19, 1856, it was earlier this same year that the Texas Legislature voted to annex part of Bexar County to form Kerr County.
Joshua Brown, who was one of the earliest settlers and the leader of a shingle makers group, donated 4 acres of land for the town square. Some people believe that Kerrville was originally named “Brownsburg” but soon after the town was named, postal authorities made Brown change the name; they claimed that there were already too many towns beginning with the word Brown. The name was eventually changed to “Kerrsville” in honor of his friend Major James Kerr, who had never stepped foot in the town that bore his name.
Since the development of the town, the population slowly increased however, during the Civil War it slowed. In 1870 after the war ended Kerrville started to grow rapidly with the opening of cattle trails to Kansas that ran right through the town. Settlers also moved into the area leading to a larger population and the expansion of business.
Ever since the early days of the cattle drives the small town of “Brownsburg” then “Kerrsville” and now Kerrville, has evolved from a shingle makers camp to a thriving historical city with many year round activities. The town of Kerrville and the surrounding area is loaded with historical sites where events occurred that have shaped the history of Kerrville.
Joshua Brown, who was one of the earliest settlers and the leader of a shingle makers group, donated 4 acres of land for the town square. Some people believe that Kerrville was originally named “Brownsburg” but soon after the town was named, postal authorities made Brown change the name; they claimed that there were already too many towns beginning with the word Brown. The name was eventually changed to “Kerrsville” in honor of his friend Major James Kerr, who had never stepped foot in the town that bore his name.
Since the development of the town, the population slowly increased however, during the Civil War it slowed. In 1870 after the war ended Kerrville started to grow rapidly with the opening of cattle trails to Kansas that ran right through the town. Settlers also moved into the area leading to a larger population and the expansion of business.
Ever since the early days of the cattle drives the small town of “Brownsburg” then “Kerrsville” and now Kerrville, has evolved from a shingle makers camp to a thriving historical city with many year round activities. The town of Kerrville and the surrounding area is loaded with historical sites where events occurred that have shaped the history of Kerrville.
Kerrville Points of Interest
Arboretum garden paths visitor center focusing on area native plants and trees. Walking paths a wildflower meadow butterfly gardens native grasses trees and shrubs.....
A native and exotic game ranch spanning 50 square miles famous for its longhorn cattle. Zebras giraffes and antelope are among the 56 species of exotic game to be spotted on a guided tour of this hist....
Brings featured performers and productions from local national and international companies; offers chamber music vocal ensembles operettas musicals and dance. Season tickets and memberships are availa....
Mediums include photography painting quilting ceramics woodwork basketry jewelry and more.....
Where Is Kerrville, Texas ?
Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau
2108 Sidney Baker
Kerrville, Texas 78028
830-792-3535
