The county courthouse often serves as a historical anchor, offering a glimpse into the people, places and events that helped shape the dynamic heritage of the Lone Star State. Counties across Texas have taken special measures to restore their capitols to their original splendor and/or launch comprehensive renovation projects to ensure safety and workability, culminating in the proud rededication of their courthouses.
Twice each year County Progress spotlights a handful of these counties in a series we’ve titled Courthouse Trails. In March 2003, we paid a visit to Ellis, Grimes, Hopkins, Milam and Shelby counties. In August 2003, we continued on in Erath, Donley, Lampasas, Llano and Shackelford counties. February 2004 took us to the counties of Atascosa, Gray, Goliad, Parker and Red River. In September 2004 we visited Hudspeth, Lee, Presidio, Sutton and Val Verde counties. We launched our 2005 series in February with stops in Dimmit, Jeff Davis and Wheeler counties. In September, we toured Archer, Bexar, Denton and Fayette counties. We continued on in February 2006 with a glimpse at Harrison, Maverick, Rains and Wharton counties. This month, we’ll stop in Bee, Lamar, Lavaca, and Nueces counties. We hope you enjoy!
Bee County
One hour from Corpus Christi, one and a half hours from San Antonio, three hours from Houston, and one hour from the coast, Bee County is the perfect rural location with near access to city necessities.
Bee County and its county seat of Beeville lie in the center of South Texas. The area is a mecca for dove and quail seekers, and each year hunters come to their leases or ranches to enjoy the bountiful game.
Bee County is particularly blessed with rich avifauna. Geographically, Bee County is located in three biological zones. On the south and east is the coastal plain, to the north and west is the beginning of the Chihuahuan Desert, and to the east is the beginning of the Oak Savannah.
The Beeville Country Club attracts hunters and homefolks, alike, with its famous food, golf course, reasonable prices, reciprocal policy, tennis courts, large pool for kids, and a beautiful clubhouse for after-hunt dinners.
The county is also home to nine parks including Veterans Memorial Park, Koehler Park, Klipstein Park, Flournoy Park, Poesta Park, Trevino Park, Carlos Reyes Park, Moore Park and the Martin Luther King Park/City Pool.
Bee County’s many county and rural roads provide a great way to bird throughout the day. In fact, Beeville’s 200-acre Veteran’s Memorial Park is an ideal spot for birding. The Poesta Creek bisects the park and provides habitat for residents and migrants alike.