County Seat: Hebbronville
The Jim Hogg County Courthouse – this county’s one and only – was built in 1913 in a Texas Renaissance style and later remodeled with Neoclassical elements.
Jim Hogg County, created from Brooks and Duval counties in 1913, was named for Gov. James Hogg. The county seat of Hebbronville honors W. R. Hebbron, who helped establish the town as a stop on the Texas Mexican Railroad in 1883.
The county sits in the Rio Grande Plain region of South Texas, 66 miles west of the Gulf Coast and 28 miles north of the Mexican border.
At the time of its formation, Jim Hogg County was a sparsely settled area. Prior to 1880, most of the residents lived on or around large ranches. However, the population grew in tandem with the increased demand for beef cattle, growth of commercial ranching, and the completion of the railroad. By 1920, the county housed some 1,914 people.
On April 17, 1921, Killam No. 3, the first commercial oil well, came in producing 100 barrels per day in the Mirando Valley field near Thompsonville. While the discovery of oil brought new residents and businesses into the area, the economy continued to focus foremost on ranching.
In 1920, the county was home to 49 ranches comprising 69,241 acres. By 1930, the area housed 312 ranches with 532,463 acres, according to the Handbook of Texas Online. Following World War II, the number of ranches declined, mostly due to consolidations. However, the cattle population increased steadily, as did oil production. In fact, as of today, the chief pillars of the economy continue to be oil and cattle operations.
Jim Hogg County is home to Scotus College, a Franciscan seminary, which moved to Hebbronville from Mexico in 1926 to escape persecution. At that time, the school could accommodate up to 20 students preparing for the priesthood. The edifice is still owned by the Archdiocese of Guadalajara.
Much of the history of the county and its seat is described in House Resolution 1923 passed in the 78th Legislative Session; the following is an excerpt:
WHEREAS, The city of Hebbronville was established in 1883 when the Texas-Mexican Railway came to the area; and
WHEREAS, In 1887, the Colegio Altamirano was created in the community; Rosendo Barrera was the first instructor, and the school was funded by prominent Mexican American families who wanted their children to learn Spanish and Mexican culture and traditions; and…
WHEREAS, At the beginning of the 21st century, the city of
Hebbronville remains a small, predominantly Mexican American community, with an estimated population of 4,608 and 54 businesses; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby honor the city of Hebbronville for its contributions to the great State of Texas and extend to its residents sincere best wishes for success in all their endeavors.
