Wilson

Wilson County

Updated on: November 19, 2021
Coordinates
29° 10' 12" N, 98° 5' 24" W (29.17, -98.09)
State
Texas
Region
South
County Seat:
Floresville
Year Organized:
1860
Total Square Miles:
808.411
Population:
49304 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
61
Wilson County Website
http://www.co.wilson.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Guadalupe (N)
Gonzales (NE)
Karnes (SE)
Atascosa (SW)
Bexar (NW)

County structure

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

Demographics

2018 Population:
49304
25 to 64 Years of Age:
51.76%
65 Years of Age and Older:
15.99%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$1.0 B
Labor Force:
24,556
Unemployment Rate:
3.10%

County Contact

1420 3Rd St
County Courthouse
Floresville, TX, 78114-2249

http://www.co.wilson.tx.us

One of the most visited counties in Texas is Wilson County. The county features amazing sceneries and vast lands perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, etc. 

It was established in 1860 from Wanes and Bexar counties. The county was named for James Charles Wilson, who served as a member of Congress during the Civil War. He also owned land in this area, which he sold to his brother-in-law; John Hays, after the war ended.  

The county seat is Floresville, popular for its historic buildings, including the courthouse built in 1876. The National Register of Historic Places has designated this building. 

History of Wilson County 

Wilson county is among the oldest counties in Texas. Its history dates back to the early 1800s when it was part of Mexico. In 1836, Mexican president Santa Anna granted permission for settlers to settle on the banks of the San Antonio River.  

These people were called Tejanos or Texans because they came from the state of Tamaulipas. They settled along the river and began farming. By 1840, about 1,000 families were living here. That same year, the first school opened up with only one teacher. There were no roads at all, so transportation depended on horses. 

In 1861, the United States declared war against Mexico. On April 21st, 1862, General Sam Houston led an army into Mexico City and captured Santa Ana. Afterward, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation freeing slaves in areas under the control of the Union Army. Many freedmen moved north to join their former owners.  

Others stayed behind and became free men themselves. Some joined the Confederate Army, while others remained loyal to the Union. On March 4th, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, ending the American Civil War.   

During Reconstruction, many African Americans migrated west to find work. Most did not return home until 1890. At that time, the population had increased to over 20,000 residents. By 1900, the population grew to over 30,000.  

A new railroad line connecting the city to Austin and other major cities. The town’s economy boomed because of agriculture and manufacturing. However, the Great Depression hit hard. Between 1929 and 1933, unemployment reached 25%. As World War II approached, the federal government encouraged farmers to grow cotton.  

Cotton production continued through the 1950s but then declined sharply. Today, the main industry is oil and gas extraction 

Geography and Climate 

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 803.73 square miles, of which 796.43 sq miles is land, and 6.30 sq mi is covered by water. The county lies between two large bodies of water: Lake Travis to the east and the Colorado River to the south.   

To the west lie rolling hills and mountains. The highest point in the county is Mount Bonnell, located near the center of the county. The elevation reaches 2,811 feet above sea level. Some of the rivers in the county are the Guadalupe River, Blanco River, Medina Creek, Llano Estacado, Nueces Canyon, and Pedernales River. 

The climate is mostly hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature ranges from 84°F during the summer months to 52°F during the winter months. Annual precipitation averages around 10 inches. Rainfall occurs mostly in spring and fall. Snow occasionally falls throughout the year. 

Demographics 

As of the 2020 census, Wilson County’s population stands at 51,070. Of this number, approximately 19% live below the poverty level; 15% have less than a 9th-grade education, and 14% speak Spanish as their primary language. The population is projected to rise to 55,945 by 2025. 

Additionally, the largest percentage is occupied by whites, followed by Hispanics and blacks. Asians make up 0.5% of the population. 

Attractions in Wilson County 

There are many attractions for tourists visiting the county, including the following: 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – Located on the banks of the Rio Grande river, it was founded in 1718. It contains seven missions built between 1690-1750. There are also several museums within the park. 

Fort Concho State Historic Site – This site preserves one of the last remaining frontier posts established after the Mexican–American War. In 1874, the fort was used to protect settlers who were moving into the plains. 

Alamo Plaza Museum & Visitor Center – Opened in 2000, this museum features exhibits about the history of the mission and its people. 

Rancho de las Cabras- Located just outside of downtown, this ranch dates back to the 1700s. The University of Texas now owns it in San Antonio. It offers tours and educational programs related to the history of the region. 

Helston Nature Park- Located along Loop 410, this nature preserve includes hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an observation tower that overlooks the lake. 

County Offices and roles 

County offices play a key role in providing services to residents. They include the following:  

Commissioners Court – Consists of five elected commissioners who oversee all aspects of local affairs. It is under Judge Richard L. Jackson. Contact them at 830-321-1445. 

Sheriff Department – Responsible for law enforcement and jail operations. It is under Sheriff Jim Stewart. Contact the office at 830-393-2535. 

Clerk’s Office – Records births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, property transfers, etc. Eva S. Martinez supervises it. Contact them at 830-393-7308. 

Treasurer– Collector’s office – Collects taxes, distributes funds, handles public records requests, etc. It is under Christina Mutz. Reach the office at 830-393-7310. 

Tax Assessor/Collector – Determines tax rates, collects delinquent taxes, etc. It is under Dawn Polasek Barnett. Reach the office at 830-393-7313. 

Conclusion 

Finally, Wilson county has been growing rapidly over the past few years. The economy remains strong with a low unemployment rate and steady job growth. However, there are still some challenges, such as lack of affordable housing and poor air quality.  

As more businesses move into the area, these problems will be addressed. Overall, Wilson county continues to grow and prosper. It offers a good opportunity for those looking to start their own business or relocate from other parts of the country.