Although the county's earliest evidence of human habitation dates from 8000 to 4000 BC, the county's earliest known ethnology places Lipan Apache and later Comanche settlements in the area during the 17th century.[6]
In 1853, John James and Charles S. DeMontel survey and plan the town of Bandera, which facilitates settlement by A. M. Milstead, Thomas Odem, P.D. Saner, and their families along the river. The families begin making cypress shingles.[10] James, Montel and Company build a horse-powered sawmill and open a store within a year.[6][11] In the wake of successive national insurrections crushed by Prussia, Austria and Russia, 16 Polish families arrive in Bandera in 1855 and begin working in James and DeMontel's sawmill. August Klappenbach opens the first store and post office. In 1856, the Texas Legislature establishes Bandera County from portions of Bexar County, and the county is formally organized.
By 1860, the population grew to 399, which included 12 slaves. By 1880, sheep and Angora goats become more profitable than farming.
20th century
In 1920, Cora and Ed Buck launch Bandera's tourist industry by taking boarders at their ranch,[12][13] and by 1933, Frontier Times Museum opens to the public.[14][15]
During the last 30 years of the 20th century, with an estimated 80% of its land dedicated to farming and ranching industries, the county government facilitates three major actions to preserve its natural heritage: the Lost Maples State Natural Area opens to the public in 1979,[16] the Hill Country State Natural Area[17] opens to the public in 1984,[18] and the Nature Conservancy purchases 1,400 acres (5.7 km2) of the Love Creek Ranch[19] from Baxter and Carol Adams to create the Love Creek Preserve in 2000.[20]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 798 square miles (2,070 km2), of which 791 square miles (2,050 km2) is land and 6.7 square miles (17 km2) (0.8%) is water.[21] Bandera County is a part of the Greater San Antonio area and is located on the Edwards Plateau.
Bandera County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the census[28] of 2000, there were 17,645 people, 7,010 households, and 5,061 families living in the county. The population density was 22 people per square mile (8.5 people/km2). There were 9,503 housing units at an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.02% White, 0.33% Black or African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.55% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. 13.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,010 households, out of which 29.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.80% were married couples living together, 7.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 23.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.70% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 27.60% from 45 to 64, and 16.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,013, and the median income for a family was $45,906. Males had a median income of $31,733 versus $24,451 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,635. About 7.70% of families and 10.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.20% of those under age 18 and 9.40% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The following school districts serve Bandera County:[29]
^ abLong, Christopher (June 12, 2010). "Bandera County, Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on December 21, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
^Tobin, Peggy (August 31, 2010). "Battle of Bandera Pass". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
^McConnell, Joseph Caroll. "Famous Battle of Bandera Pass". Fort Tours. Fort Tour Systems, Inc. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
^Schumacher, Dr MJ (November 5, 2009). "Granddaughter's memories bring early history to life". Bandera County Courier.
^Tobin, Peggy (June 12, 2010). "Bandera, Texas". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Archived from the original on November 1, 2010. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
^Wise, Dan (July 25, 2006). "Celebrate Bandera County honors Bandera County's dude ranches". The Bandera Bulletin.
^"Old Buck Ranch". Texas State Historical Markers. William Nienke, Sam Morrow. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
^"Frontier Times Museum". Texas State Historical Markers. William Nienke, Sam Morrow. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
