Learn About De Leon, Texas
De Leon Overview
City History
De Leon is a small city located in Comanche County, Texas. The city was named after Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon and was founded in 1872. Originally a ranching and farming community, De Leon grew rapidly with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in the late 19th century. Today, De Leon is known for its friendly community and rich history.
Interesting Facts
- De Leon is known as the "Prairie Chicken Capital of Texas" due to the abundance of prairie chickens in the area.
- The city hosts an annual Peach and Melon Festival, celebrating the local agriculture.
- De Leon is home to the oldest operating cotton gin in Texas, which was established in 1914.
Interesting People
- One notable resident of De Leon is Bob Lilly, a former professional football player who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Top Attractions in De Leon
- De Leon City Park: A beautiful park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Comanche County Historical Museum: A museum showcasing the history of the area.
- De Leon Peach and Melon Festival: An annual event celebrating the local agriculture.
Top Attractions Nearby
- Comanche County State Park: A scenic park with camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
- Dublin Bottling Works: A historic soda bottling plant in nearby Dublin, Texas.
- Waco Mammoth National Monument: An archaeological site with fossils of mammoths and other Ice Age animals.
Population History
- The population of De Leon has remained relatively stable over the years, with just over 2,000 residents as of the last census.
Geography
- De Leon is located in central Texas, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.
- The city is situated near the Leon River, which flows through the area.
Economy
- The economy of De Leon is primarily based on agriculture, with cotton, peanuts, and peaches being the main crops grown in the area.
- The city also has a few small businesses and shops that cater to the local community.
Culture
- De Leon has a strong sense of community, with residents coming together for events like the Peach and Melon Festival.
- The city also has a rich cowboy culture, with rodeos and country music being popular attractions.
Notable Landmarks
- De Leon City Hall: A historic building in the downtown area.
- First Baptist Church of De Leon: A beautiful church with a long history in the community.
- De Leon High School: Home of the De Leon Bearcats, a source of pride for the city.