La Salle

La Salle County

Updated on: December 14, 2021
Coordinates
28° 20' 24" N, 99° 6' 0" W (28.34, -99.1)
State
Texas
Region
South
County Seat:
Cotulla
Year Organized:
1858
Total Square Miles:
1494.235
1,487 sq mi (3,851 km2) land
7.5 square miles (19 km2) water
Population:
7584 (2017)
Population: 6,886 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
5
La Salle County Website
http://www.co.la-salle.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Frio (N)
Atascosa (NE)
McMullen (E)
Webb (S)
Dimmit (W)
Zavala (NW)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
7584
25 to 64 Years of Age:
49.54%
65 Years of Age and Older:
13.72%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$7.8 B
Labor Force:
4,599
Unemployment Rate:
2.40%

County Contact

PO BOX 340
County Courthouse
Cotulla, TX, 78014-0340

http://www.co.la-salle.tx.us

La Salle County, Texas, was created in 1858 and organized in 1880. The county got its name from a french explorer René-Robert Sieur de La Salle. The county seat is Cotulla; the largest town in the northwestern section of the county. La Salle thrives in agriculture and mining, with most parts of the town boasting great business hubs and offices for various organizations. 

Read ahead to discover more about La Salle county in Texas and why it is a region to visit, get employment or even explore nature, among other things. 

History of La Salle County 

La Salle County, Texas, came from the Bexar district in the 18th century. The first settlers were French and Spanish, but they soon gave way to Anglo-Americans who settled along the banks of the San Antonio River.  

In 1716, Franciscan friars established the Mission San Jose de Los Nisperos near present-day New Braunfels. They built a small chapel on the site where St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is today. 

Comanches destroyed the mission in 1731, and its inhabitants fled northward into Bastrop County. The area became part of the Mexican province of Coahuila y Tejas. It was surrendered to the United States following the Mexican War of Independence in 1821. On May 27, 1836, La Salle County was created from Bexar and Travis counties. 

The area was previously grasslands with oak trees and prairie dogs. When cattle raisers arrived in the late 19th century, they found rich grazing lands for their herds. By 1900, there were over 1 million heads of cattle in the county. This led to an increase in the number of ranches and farms.  

Additionally, devoted hunter-gatherers began moving into the region as well. These early hunters used bows and arrows to hunt games such as deer and rabbits. Later, guns replaced the bow and arrow. As hunting became more popular, it attracted other sports competitors. Today, the population has soared. 

Community Programs of La Salle County, Texas 

According to the official La Salle website, there are nine community programs under the community section. The following is a list of those programs: 

The Local Emergency Planning Committee 

LEPC develops and maintains an Emergency Operations Plan for the county. This plan guides how to respond to emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, and fires.  

The committee also works with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hospitals, schools, and other organizations to ensure that they have the resources to meet any emergency. 

Martinez Park Sports Complex 

The Martinez Park Sports Complex is open to the public and features pool activities and park games. It has tennis courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, and more.  

Residents can visit the facility to play sports, swim, or just enjoy the outdoors. Children enjoy endless fun playing in the sandbox and water fountains. Adults can relax by reading books or taking a nap while children play around them. 

Arts and Culture 

Another community program offered by La Salle County is arts and culture. There are many events held throughout the year at different venues within the county. These include art shows, concerts, festivals, and more. Some of these events include: 

  • Artists’ Alley Art Show
  • Fiesta de la Flor
  • Cinco De Mayo Festival
  • La Fiesta del Pueblo
  • La Fiesta del Rancho
  • A Taste of New Mexico
  • Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival
  • Texas State Fair

The goal of the event is to promote tourism in the area. Many people come from all over the world to attend these events. Visitors spend money in the area and help support small businesses. 

Other community programs include public safety, TXDOT related, county news, and upcoming projects. 

Attractions in La Salle County 

There is plenty to see and do if you are visiting the area. From the beautiful beaches of Corpus Christi Bay to the historic city of Victoria to the many museums and attractions that make up the Coastal Bend region, there is always something new to experience.  

Corpus Christi Beach 

The beach at Corpus Christi has a lot to offer. It’s a great place for swimming, fishing, or just relaxing on the sand. There are also many restaurants and shops nearby if you want to spend your time shopping instead of being out on the water. 

Brush Country Museum 

This museum is located near the town of Refugio. Visitors can view a collection of antique farm equipment, including tractors, plows, and other items used back then. The museum also features a small zoo with bison, deer, and peacocks. 

La Salle Odyssey Project 

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, check out the La Salle Odyssey Project. This project was created by volunteers who wanted to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Volunteers have planted over 1 million trees and shrubs throughout the county. 

Museum of the Coastal Bend 

Lastly, don’t miss the Museum of the Coastal Bend. Located in Victoria, this museum showcases artifacts and art pieces related to the area’s history. You’ll find everything from Native American pottery to oil paintings depicting scenes of the area. 

La Salle County Offices  

La Salle county offices are important to the citizens of La Salle county. The office is where you can go for help with your taxes, water and sewer bills, or even to report crimes. In addition, many services are available at the La Salle county courthouse. These include: 

County Judge’s office under Judge Joel Rodriguez Jr. He ensures that the people of La Salle county follow all laws, and he also handles all civil cases. His phone number is (830) 483-5139. 

The Clerk’s Office is on the third floor of the courthouse. They handle all documents and records about the court system. It is under Margarita Esqueda. Their phone number is (830) 483-5120. 

The County Attorney’s Office is on the second floor of the courthouse. This office handles criminal matters within the county. It’s under Elizabeth Martinez. Call through  (830) 483-5127. 

Maria Perez heads the treasurer’s office. You can reach them at (830) 483-5143. 

The tax collector’s office is under Dora A. Gonzales, PCC. You can call them at  (830) 483-5134.  

Lastly, the sheriff’s office is under Anthony Zertuche. Reach the office through (830) 879-3045.