History Of Cuero

Cuero is named for “Cuero Creek”. Cuero is Spanish for “rawhide”. The Spanish called it Arroyo del Cuero or Creek of the Rawhide. This was a reference to cattle that would get stuck in the mud along the creek bank.

The Taylor-Sutton Feud was very bloody and long lasting. It encompassed a thirty-year span and was said to have originated from bad feelings after the Civil War during Reconstruction. Although the true cause may never be determined, it is a topic of much debate!

Many Cuero citizens migrated to escape the hurricanes that had destroyed Indianola, Texas. Indianola once rivaled Galveston as a gulf port. Some families went so far as to dismantle their homes in Indianola and rebuilt them in Cuero. The first hurricane hit on September 15, 1875. The town was full because of visitors attending a trial that was a result of the Taylor-Sutton Feud. Fatalities were estimated at 150 to 300. Only eight buildings were left undamaged by the storm. On August 19, 1886 a second hurricane hit and was accompanied by a fire.

The Turkey Trot, which has evolved into present-day Turkeyfest, began in 1912. Traveling salesmen from the north began watching with great interest the large flocks of turkeys that were driven on foot to the Cuero market. Today there is an annual race between turkeys from Worthington, Minnesota and Cuero, Texas. Also, there is a carnival, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and much more during the three day event.

During World War II Cuero Field was established at the Cuero Municipal Airport, two miles west of Cuero. It was a US Army Air Force training field. All instructors and mechanics were civilian, though the Army supervised training. Thousands of pilots who graduated from Cuero Field went on to serve in World War II.

The Cuero Livestock Commission records show Cuero as the largest shipper of cattle in the state in 1942 and 1943, with more than 800 train carloads exported per year. The commission, established in 1940, sold $251,750 worth of stock that same year; sales jumped to $1.3 million in 1941, $3.5 million in 1942, and $4.7 million in 1943.

The Cuero Gobblers led the way to the state championship in 3A football. This was in 1973 with a 21-7 victory over Mount Pleasant. They would go on to win state another two years in 1974 and 1987.

The Texas Legislature passed HR 769 on May 4, 1999 designating DeWitt County as the Wildflower Capital of Texas. They also designated April as Wildflower Month in Texas. The Wildflower Association hosted a variety of events in April; including a bike race, walk/run, tours, and more!

Tod Slone Saddles offers quality custom hand tooled western saddles. Since that time the park has grown to include: Texas Department of Transportation, Frito-Lay Distribution, Weaver & Jacobs Construction, C&K Oil Field Supply, and R. Katz Tools.

Christmas in the Park was established an ad hoc committee of the Cuero Development Corporation. This six-week driving tour of 275 lighted scenes in the park attracts 100,000 visitors to town.

Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. Cuero became a Preserve America Community for its tireless efforts to maintain our history and heritage.

Cuero was recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture for the great living and amenities offered to residents. The CDC developed a dedicated website, and brochure, “Welcome to Cuero — Southern Living at its Best”, and marketed the program on the website.

Cuero became one of the first Film-Friendly Communities certified by the Texas Film Commission. The recommended film policy by the State was adopted to make the process easier for anyone interested in Cuero as a potential film location.

The Cuero Main Street Program was re-certified.

After being renovated to its original structure, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum opened its doors in November 2013.

BGCDC opened its doors on June 16, 2014! There were initially 50 members in the 6-12 age group and a few faithful teenagers. The Club now serves an average of 75 youth daily.

The Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas opened its doors.

Cuero received Retirement Community re-certification.

Cuero was named a 2015 Playful City USA Community in July.

Cuero received a Silver-level “Scenic City” Certification by Scenic Texas for 2015-2020.

Cuero received a Gold-level “Scenic City” Recertification by Scenic Texas for 2020-2025.